19 July 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Rockhampton SHS - School Review 5-8 August 2019

Every Queensland state school is reviewed by the School Improvement Unit (SIU) at least once every four years. The reviews are an important part of how the department supports and monitors schools.

The reviews provide schools with independent feedback, tailored to their context and needs.

Principals use the review findings to work with their school community and assistant regional director (or principal supervisor) to develop clear actions to move the school forward.

Review process

Reviews are conducted by experienced educators trained in the use of the National School Improvement Tool, a nationally-recognised framework for reviewing teaching and learning practices.

Each review team generally consists of two to four reviewers, but the number of reviewers and length of review depends upon a range of factors, including the size and context of the school.

Reviewers look closely at each school’s performance data and speak with a wide range of staff, students, parents and community members to get an accurate picture of the school.

Unlike many other review systems, schools aren’t ranked or given a performance rating. Instead, the school is given a comprehensive report for consideration.

The report details key findings and recommended improvement strategies to maximise student outcomes. This information is shared with staff and school community (on the school website and with the P&C) to help shape the school’s strategic direction.

Parent and community participation

Feedback from parents and the community is an important part of school reviews, with everyone encouraged to have their say. Reviewers may discuss with you either in person or by phone interview.

To register your interest in participating in the review, please contact our school office (49204333) or Kath Rumpf via email: krump3@eq.edu.au by 31 July 2019.

More information

For more information about school reviews, please visit the School Reviews website at the link below:

Future Teachers

Are you in year 10, 11 or 12? Have you ever considered a career in teaching? Then the “Future Teachers Club” is for you! This club is an initiative of the Department of Education. The program will place students interested in the teaching profession with a mentor teacher at the school. Students will work with these mentors, discussing lesson planning, observing their teaching practice, and team-teaching portions of lessons. They will interact with other students involved in the club at Rockhampton State High School, and share their experiences with each other. If you are interested in participating in this club, please let Mr Lorette as soon as possible as places are limited.

Centenary Race Day

Our last event, the Inaugural Race Day and the Rockhampton Cup, was held on Sat 6 July at Callaghan Park. This was a huge success! 110 folk attended at our tent and enjoyed a great barbecue. The day started with very blustery conditions but fortunately ended up with our typical Rocky sunshine.

Many thanks to DP Melanie Brown for organising the overall event and to Larren Bean, Natalie Stubbs, Jane Taylor Thompson, Helen Lord, Margie Tritton for their significant contributions.

Special thanks to Amber Tobane, Jesse Daniel, Zeke Ghiggioli for their great performances and to Captain Nicholas Bramham for representing the school.

House Rebadging

On 7 June (a Free Dress Day) we announced to students and staff that the Houses of Cook, Wentworth, Griffith and Phillip were renamed according to great athletes who had attended Rockhampton SHS; Armstrong, Meares, Laver, Tucker. This occurred after extensive consultation and vote in 2018 with staff, students and the P&C. At the special assembly Mr Kenrick Tucker spoke of gaining strength through overcoming adversity and challenge and the importance of self-belief, and this was very well received. Following the rebadging students enjoyed free cake and a sausage sizzle to celebrate our centenary.

Kirsten Dwyer
Principal

Important Dates

SmartHub visit to Business students

During term two, Business classes welcomed Elize Hattan, manager of the Rockhampton Regional Council SmartHub, who spoke about making the most of entrepreneurial opportunities. The SmartHub provides a wide variety of support to local start-ups, business owners and members including office resources, mentorship programs and seminars. Elize was effervescent in her delivery, discussing her love of working with people and solving problems. She succinctly defined entrepreneurship as people who are passionate about their idea and utilise their skills to solve problems while making money. She suggested that young people are perfectly positioned to be successful entrepreneurs; rather than age being a barrier, Elize cited youthful creativity, enthusiasm and proficiency with technology as distinct advantages in business. She began her business journey at a young age by developing a handbag range from recycled materials and winning a trip to Paris. Elize has met many famous entrepreneurs including Oprah Winfrey and Steven Baxter and Bevan Slattery, who both hail from Rockhampton.

Her key advice to students included being passionate, starting the journey now and checking in with customers regularly. She encouraged students to get involved in their local community and consider the value they could offer as future business owners employing others. We sincerely thank Elize for taking time from her busy schedule to provide students with respected insight into successful business management. Students who are interested in SmartHub opportunities are encouraged to see their website and social media pages for upcoming events.

Mrs Buchholz and Mrs Simpkins
Business Department

EXCEL

Year 8 EXCEL Science students participated in fossicking for Thunder Eggs during Week 8, Term 2. The students found crystalline structures with various hues of blue, red and yellow. This visit linked in with their study of Geology, Earth’s formation and the traditional uses of rocks and minerals.

Year 9 EXCEL Science students had been focusing on chemical equations, interactions between chemicals and how these reactions speeds can be increased during lessons in Term 2. The class used a volcano as their mode of mixing the chemicals.

Year 9 and 10 EXCEL students have received information regarding the upcoming EXCEL camp in October. Students need to return their Expression of Interest forms to Mrs Sinnamon before the end of the day on July 22nd. More information regarding the camp will be distributed once student numbers are confirmed.

Breeha Sinnamon
QVSA Central Queensland Coordinator
EXCEL Coordinator and Science Teacher

Queensland Virtual STEM Academy at Central Queensland

Hosted by Rockhampton State High School

Students enrolled in the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy Program have enjoyed a two week break off during the holidays but they have jumped right back into the swing of things this week. The current phase of the course requires students to ideate a solution to their Grand Challenge problems. Students have had the opportunity to pitch their start-up ideas to their CQUniversity mentors and receive guidance and feedback as we move towards final presentations.

Janny and Arabella, who are participating in the Mitigating the Spread of Disease Grand Challenge, are considering designing a 21st century solution to the problem of chlamydia spread in koalas. They liaised with Dr Flavia Santamaria and have started researching programs that are currently in development in Australia to increase the number of koalas in their natural habitats that are free from chlamydia.

Will, Lachlan and Jared are members of the Healthy Harbours and Habitats Grand Challenge and have begun designing a solution to the problem of declining seagrass populations in local harbours. The boys have researched the importance of seagrass to natural habitats, as well as the optimal environments in which seagrasses grow, and are working towards a holistic solution that can be implemented around Australia.

Emma, Katrina and Georgia have been participating in a Grand Challenge titled Missing the Night. This Grand Challenge focuses on reducing the impacts of light pollution on humans, animals and the environment in general. At this point in time the girls have not liaised with their mentors, but will do before the end of Week 1, Term 3.

We can’t wait to see the kids’ final presentations which will be pitched to CQUniversity experts, Rockhampton Regional Council mentors, Mon Repos specialists, key teachers at QVSA schools and the QVSA teaching team.

Mrs Sinnamon and Mr Rutherford.

Year 10 students attend Toolkit for School Kids Workshop

Rockhampton State High School is a member of the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy. The QMEA is a partnership between the Queensland resources sector, represented by the Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Government. During Term 2, Year 10 students from Rockhampton State High participated in the QMEA “Toolkit for School Kids” workshop at CQ University.

During the day students liaised with industry personal who are currently working in the mineral and energy industry. They also experienced practical trade activities such as determining threads of different bolts using thread pitch gauges as well as drafting and designing a nut for industrial use. Furthermore, they were educated in the importance of wearing personal protective equipment on any job site. During the sessions facilitators made it clear that students need to have a high level of literacy and numeracy skills to be successful in the completion of a trade certificate.

Student interested in more information about employment in the minerals and energy industry should see the staff in the FEET First office.

Phillip Richards
HOD – Materials Technology

NAPLAN Online – NAPLAN School Readiness Test

During Term 3 Year 8 students will participate in a School Readiness Test in preparation for NAPLAN Online in 2020. The test in Term 3 is a de-identified test and no data regarding student results will be reported on. This School Readiness Test is a mandatory test to assess the capability of the IT services in the school and their capacity to manage online testing in 2020.

More information and dates will be available shortly regarding NAPLAN Online. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit the following site for further information and to view simulation testing that students in Years 7 & 9 will complete in 2020. Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you have further questions regarding this School Readiness Test.

Amanda O’Beirne
(HOD Student Support – Learning Engagement)

Legal Studies Students Get Expert Assistance

The Year 12 Legal Studies class recently received valuable research assistance from Mrs Jodie Fenlon from the Department of Youth Justice. The students are busily preparing for an assessment task on Human Rights with a focus on detaining children in adult watch houses. The students will write an essay focusing on a human rights issue occurring in Australia.

Mrs Fenlon provided a clear overview of the application of the Youth Justice Act 1992 (Qld) and the processes followed when minors enter the criminal justice system. Her presentation included information on youth detention centres currently in use in Queensland and the role they play in the rehabilitation of young people.

The Legal Studies class greatly appreciated the visit from Mrs Fenlon and the expert information she provided.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling and Legal Studies teacher

Year 12 students improve communication skills to enhance careers

During Term 2, our Year 12 students participated in “Communication 2 Careers”, a mock interview event where students met local business people to improve their communication and interview skills. The event is organised by RING (Rockhampton Innovative Networking Group) and our FEET First Coordinator, to provide the students with the opportunity to practice their face-to-face communication skills to better prepare them for future job interviews.

The Year 12 students and employers discussed the students’ plans after leaving school as well as how to perform well at an interview. The students found that the experience greatly improved their confidence to communicate with potential employers. They reported that the interview questions challenged them to think of the appropriate response on the spot. The students also received valuable career advice and information on further education and training.

Rockhampton State High School would like to thank the 16 representatives from local business and government agencies who participated in the event including:

Capricorn Enterprise
Rockhampton Driving School
Business in Bright Socks
Projects One Safety Online
Capricornia Chamber of Commerce
CQUniversity
APAP
QLD Health
Centacare CQ
Livingstone Shire Council
The Capricornian
CQAT
Michelle Landry
Rockhampton Regional Council
Capricorn Caves
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

For more information on the job application process, contact FEET First on 49204391 or via email - aknig170@eq.edu.au.

Alana Knight
FEET First Coordinator

Year 11 Subject Results Update

During Year 11, students complete Units 1 and 2 of their subjects to develop foundation skills to be successful in Units 3 and 4.

Teachers will determine an outcome for Unit 1 and 2 based on each student’s achievement of the syllabus standards. Students will be awarded either “Satisfactory” or “Unsatisfactory”. Students who achieve “Satisfactory” will earn a QCE credit for each of these units. Students require 20 QCE credits by the end of Year 12 to achieve the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Year 11 results do not contribute towards an Australian Tertiary Entrance Rank (ATAR) Score. This score is based on assessment completed in Units 3 and 4 which will be administered in Year 12. The learning for Unit 3 will begin in Term 4 of this year for most General subjects.

Year 11 report cards will be closely monitored to ensure students are fully engaging in the program of instruction and support will be offered to those who need it.

For more information about the QCE or ATAR, please refer to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) website below:

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Reading Matters

Reading is, arguably, the most important skill an individual can possess. Research conducted with students aged from twelve to sixteen years revealed that students read for a variety of reasons – relaxation, discovery, as part of school requirements- but that reading for pleasure is one of the most valuable activities for the adolescent brain. This research from the Department of Education (2012) revealed that reading for pleasure had a wide range of, not only educational benefits but social and personal benefits as well. Studies revealed that reading for pleasure assisted in the development of more proficient reading and writing skills, stimulated increased self-confidence, general knowledge, vocabulary and cultural understandings. The benefits of reading for pleasure should not be underestimated and whilst reading, using any medium, is important, nothing replaces reading real books… but that’s a discussion for another month!

Here are this month’s reading for pleasure selections from Rockhampton State High School staff:

In the words of Joseph Addison, Reading is the mind what exercise is to the body.

Reading matters!

Teri Garner
A/HOD English.

The Great Gatsby Production

It’s that time of year again as actors, dancers, singers and musicians are well under way rehearsing this year’s production of The Great Gatsby! Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, our production follows the story of Jay Gatsby, mysterious millionaire and alluring enigma. Gatsby is the man who has everything; however, beneath the shimmering surface of his life he is hiding a secret: a silent longing that can never be fulfilled. Soon, this destructive obsession forces his world to unravel.

With only three weeks of rehearsal remaining before opening night the performers are working tirelessly to perfect the final touches, including an array of gorgeous costumes to match the glitz and glam of 1919!

Tickets have just gone on sale – available through the front office for $10 each, so grab your ticket today before they’re all gone!

Stephanie Rawlings
Arts Teacher

Science Department

Year 11 Science.

This year has seen the introduction of the new QCE system for Year 11 students and consequently new ATAR subjects in the science department. As part of this change, students in Biology, Chemistry and Physics now complete a student experiment in Term 2.

Whilst similar to the extended experimental investigations that students completed in these subjects in previous years there is a greater focus on the statistical analysis of the data collected and calculating possible sources of experimental and instrument error. Students do need to work diligently to complete this task especially if they are studying more than one senior science subject.

Students have really engaged with the wide variety of students experiments conducted in all three subjects and have become far more proficient with their laboratory skills and being able to work in groups. Students pictured are analysing the effect of temperature on the reaction rate of enzymes. This was part of the student experiment conducted for Biology.

Yr 10 Senior Science preparation class (Term 2 Chemistry).

This term, students have been studying atomic theory, chemical properties of elements, acids and bases and how to successfully balance chemical equations. The senior science preparation class has also spent an additional two weeks in the laboratory conducting a variety of experiments. This was to improve students’ laboratory skills and to practice the investigative processes required in the senior sciences. This unit culminated with students conducting an extended experimental investigation to determine the effect of acid erosion on limestone, including the effect of changing the concentration of acid and surface area of marble chips on the reaction rate.

This 10 week unit focused exclusively on chemistry and is designed to give students an opportunity to experience studying subject specific scientific ideas and principles in depth for an extended period of time; similar to when they may study Biology, Chemistry or Physics in the senior school. It should also help them make an informed decision about whether they would like to study Chemistry in Year 11 and 12. Next term students will study a 10 week unit on Physics for the same reason.

Stephen Ladley
Head of Department – Science

Athletics Carnival

In 2019, the athletics carnival had a special buzz about it. The school’s centenary provided a spark that was enhanced by the rebranding of the four sports houses. Armstrong Sharks (Cook), Laver Crocodiles (Wentworth), Meares Dingos (Phillip) and Tucker Kangaroos (Griffith) came together in celebration of the centenary and competed in track and field events across the two days. Meares Dingos were declared champions of the carnival with a 19-point win. Age champions were also awarded to the following:

12-year girls – Jessie Neale (Tucker)
12-year boys – Seth Bloxsom (Armstrong)
13-year girls – Meliee Barnes (Armstrong)
13-year boys – Jake Smith (Laver)
14-year girls – Jolie McNamara (Meares)
14-year boys – Zane Murphy (Meares)
15-year girls – Emily Smith (Laver)
15-year boys – Xavier Mason (Meares)
16-year girls – Tanika Hockings (Tucker)
16-year boys – Beau Sheridan (Laver)
Open girls – Nikyta Campbell (Armstrong)
Open boys – Dawson Wood (Laver)

Special thanks must go to the PE staff who worked tirelessly in many roles across the two days: setting up early each day, officiating events and packing up late in the afternoons. The willingness to go beyond by each of the staff made for an exceptional carnival for our students to enjoy. Lastly, Sharon Callaghan deserves a special mention for continuing to be an amazing assistant to the PE and Sports program at Rockhampton State High School. Her significant contributions are greatly appreciated.

Lachlan Wells
Athletics Carnival Coordinator

Breaking the Silence Schools Program

Rockhampton State High School has been selected alongside 9 other schools throughout Australia to participate in the 2019/2020 Breaking the Silence Schools Program. White Ribbon is the world’s largest movement of men and boys working with women and girls to end men’s violence against women and girls, promoting gender equality, respectful relationships, and a new vision of masculinity.

White Ribbon works through a primary prevention approach, understanding that men are central to achieving the social change necessary to prevent men’s violence against women. The program engages men to stand up, speak up and act to influence the actions of some men and demand change. White Ribbon is dedicated to ensuring men, working with women, are active advocates for changing the social norms, attitude and behaviours that are at the root of gender-based violence. Ted Talks by Joe Ehrmann, ‘Be a man’ and Katie Hood ‘Difference in healthy and unhealthy Love’ are brilliant resources worth viewing that are used within the Breaking the Silence Schools Program learning package for staff and students.

This Sunday Stephen, alongside myself and North Rockhampton High School teacher, Janita will swim (2 km), ride (80 km) and run (20 km) in the Yeppoon Kraken Triathlon. The team will be participating with passion and enthusiasm to drive positive social change within our school communities, helping build generational change needed to prevent men’s violence against women, ultimately strengthening a culture of respect for all.

White Ribbon Australia

Loretta Green
Clinical Nurse – Youth Health

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