14 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to the start of the 2020 school year! Congratulations to our departing year 12s (100% QCE, 100% of students receiving OP 1-15). This is a great achievement and a credit to our hardworking students and staff. This year we are excited to be fully implementing the ATAR for year 12s. QTAC’s website at the link below has a range of resources that explain the ATAR. As per the previous system achieving a QCE and achieving their best results in subjects and courses is critical to maximise the ATAR. The single biggest change is the way students are assessed in General subjects. Three school-based assessments and an external assessment (for most subjects) ensure an emphasis on “quality over quantity”.

We have commenced the year with over 220 Year 7s from more than 13 primary partner schools. This cohort has started very positively and students are well-presented and well-prepared. We have lots of exciting lunchtime activities planned (Tues-Thurs in Term 1) to assist students to explore the school’s facilities, meet new friends and have fun! Some activities include karaoke, quidditch, board games, theatre sports, watercolour painting, science activities, sporting competitions and more!

Many of your new students are still quite young and need reminders about road safety. Please insure your child crosses at the crossing and follows directions of our staff. Thank you to new parents for following road and parking signage on Campbell Street.

The school has invested in a new planner for 2020 which incorporates our purchased wellbeing program. Students also use the planner to organise their timetable assessment schedule and study plan. It is an expectation that planners are brought to every lesson every day, and replaced at a cost of $10 if required. These planners also contain important information about school procedures and developing social, emotional and academic skills.

Kind Regards
Kirsten Dwyer

Important Dates

School deliveries to students

Parents and carers are reminded that anything being delivered to the school (books, bags, lunches etc.) needs to come through Front Office. Please do not ask your student to wait at any of the entrances/exits of the school as this is safety concern, and they will be asked to move back into the main school grounds. Students are more than welcome to wait in the foyer for your delivery during their lunch breaks.

James Zimmer
A/Deputy Principal

2020 Swimming Carnival

Will the Meares Dingos sink or swim in their quest to claim back to back swimming carnivals, or will the Armstrong Sharks go on the attack and live up to their name and dominate the pool? The Tucker Kangaroos bounded up the leader board to claim second place in 2019, can they go one better and take out this year’s first carnival? The mighty Laver Crocodiles will have to show improved depth in the pool to snap up a win, otherwise they will be left to wallow in the wading pool…

The 2020 Rockhampton State High School Swimming Carnival on February 21st, is a MUST ATTEND event, guaranteed to be jam packed full of fun! Be prepared to get wet and back your house in a range of competitive and participation-based events.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE DAY:

• Students will head to their regular form class to start the day
• Students will walk to the pool in house groups with the first event commencing at 9.30am
• Students are to wear house colours to school (no costumes) and covered footwear. A change of clothes is recommended.
• Students must swim in appropriate, sensible, sun safe swim wear
• Students will be provided with a BBQ lunch (no extra cost), with the pool canteen/ café open to our students from 12.00 – 1.30pm.
• Permission notes will be handed out during form class/ parade on Monday 10th February
• All students must return their permission notes and $2.50 entry fee to the Cash Collection Window by Wednesday 19th February
• Alternate arrangements will be made for those students who are unable to attend the carnival and remain at school

Make sure you get along and participate, compete, and support your house in the 2020 swimming carnival. See you all there!

Damien Kelso
HOD - Health and Physical Education and Sport

Why NAPLAN is moving to online.

All schools are moving to NAPLAN Online by 2021 as the online format will change NAPLAN for the better. One of the main benefits of NAPLAN Online is tailored (or adaptive) testing, in which the test presents questions of higher or lower complexity depending on a student’s performance, resulting in a more engaging assessment and more precise results.

This year, between 12 and 22 May, our school will be doing NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning at school. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for and students are not expected to do so.

NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process – it does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance; however, students and parents may use individual results to discuss progress with teachers.

Read the NAPLAN Online information brochure for parents and carers. To see the format of the online tests, visit the link below:

Research shows that parents are generally accepting of the move to NAPLAN online and believe it will contribute to an overall improvement in NAPLAN.

ACARA commissioned Colmar Brunton to undertake research with parents in 2018 about their perceptions of NAPLAN, their understanding of its purpose and of the move to NAPLAN online. The research included a quantitative survey of 1,200 parents in all states and territories. Qualitative research was also undertaken with 16 ninety-minute focus groups.

Findings from the research show:

• The majority of parents (3/5) believe that NAPLAN is valuable. NAPLAN is valued for providing parents with a snapshot of their child’s progress.
• Some negative views remained and parents noted a lack of familiarity with the format and content of NAPLAN tests.
• Parental attitudes toward NAPLAN are influenced by the way in which the school positions the tests.
• In general, parents are accepting of the move to NAPLAN online. The main reason for supporting the move online is as it is seen as a natural progression.
• The majority of parents believe that moving NAPLAN online will improve NAPLAN and result in a more engaging experience for students.
• Parents with children who have already completed NAPLAN online expressed few concerns.

Read the Colmar Brunton: research findings in full.

ICT skills are part of the school curriculum

Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computers skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format and the device they will use.

The writing test is not about handwriting skills and NAPLAN Online is not about keyboarding skills. Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper.

To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, try out the NAPLAN Online public demonstration site, available on the NAP website.

Maths matters

Welcome to the Maths department, especially our new year 7 students. At Rockhampton State High, we use various resources to ensure a successful transition from primary to high school. Students in year 7 will all have a workbook called iMaths 7. This will assist them to build their capacity to work independently and problem solve. Year 7s also have 1 extra Maths lesson every fortnight to work on improving their general numeracy capability.

Does your child have a calculator for Maths?

Having your own scientific calculator is essential in maths subjects. The advantage of having your own calculator is that you learn how to operate that particular brand and become more confident to be able to complete set tasks both in class and for homework.

The recommended style is the TI-30XB (pictured) which is available at the cash collection window for $22.90.

Senior Maths subjects

The senior students use the Cambridge Senior Mathematics for Queensland series of textbooks. Each textbook has an access code that allows students to access online content such as practice exams, video demonstration of concepts and quizzes. The senior syllabus requires a commitment to regular revision of classwork and completion of exercises at home in order to be successful.

Jane Taylor-Thompson
HOD Mathematics

FEET First Program 2020

In 2020, 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 (14– 18 September 2020).

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 27 April 2020.

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

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

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:

FEET First Year 12 Commitment Ceremony – Friday 8 May 2020. 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 25 May and Friday 5 June 2020.
• Year 12 students will participate in the Communication 2 Careers (C2C) Mock Interviews with local employers to improve their communication and interview skills.

Training and Employment Morning Tea – Friday 16 October 2020. All Year 12 School-based apprentices and trainees and dual campus vocational students will be recognised for their achievements at a morning tea with parents, carers and community representatives.

Short Course Dates:

• White Card - Thursday 16 March 2020 - One day Construction Induction Safety course.
• RSA - Tuesday 23 June 2020 - One day Responsible Service of Alcohol course.
• RGS - Tuesday 15 September 2020 - One day Responsible Gaming Service course.
• First Aid Course – Year 12 - Wednesday 16 September, Year 10 and 11 - Monday 30 November 2020 - One day First Aid course.

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 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 Food and Beverage – CQUniversity
• Cert II in Kitchen Operations - CQUniversity

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 Photo Days – Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 February

School photos are almost upon us again! The school has engaged MSP Photography to create our school records this year and you are invited to purchase prints of your child.

On photo day, every student will be photographed regardless of whether you are purchasing or not.

Your child will bring home a personalised order envelope from the photographers. Please take care to read and follow all the instructions carefully. This will ensure your order is processed smoothly and efficiently and will help you to avoid any late fees.

You will have the option to order online or with cash in your student’s envelope. Please take care to follow the instructions carefully.

Additional order envelopes are available from Student Services. To order a sibling photos, please collect a Sibling Order Envelope from Student Services, or order it online at least 24 hours in advance.

Please make sure that students are in complete uniform and compliant with all aspects of the school uniform policy, students who are not compliant will not be photographed.

As school staff are unable to help with photography enquiries or payments, please direct your questions and comments directly to MSP Photography by phoning: 4921 3355.

Thank you for your co-operation and we look forward to a great photo day.

White Card – Construction Induction Safety Course

SDS Training will be running the White Card – Construction Induction Safety Course on 16 March 2020 (Week 8) in the Senior Learning Centre. The cost is $50.00.

As of January 2019, students can no longer complete this course online. It must presented in a face-to face format unless the student lives over 100km from a Registered Training Organisation.

If students are seeking work experience or to start a career within the construction industry, the White Card is a mandatory requirement. This may be the only White Card course run at Rockhampton SHS in 2020.

The white card is a requirement for anyone who wants to work in the construction industry. Once the course has been completed and you are deemed competent you will be provided with a Statement of Attainment and issued your Construction White Card.

This unit of competency covers fundamental OHS necessary to undertake work tasks within any sector in the construction industry. It includes the identification of hazardous materials, including asbestos (identification only), and compliance with legislated work safety practices.

The unit relates directly to the general induction training program specified by the National Code of Practice for Induction for Construction Work (ASCC 2007) required to enter a construction work site.

Enrolment Packages are located in the FEET First office and students wishing to enrol are required to provide three forms of ID and have a USI number.

If you need assistance to apply for or locate your USI number, please see Alana in the FEET First office.

Alternatively, you can source or retrieve your USI number on the following website below:

For any further enquiries, please contact me on 49 204 391 or email aknig170@eq.edu.au.

Alana Knight
FEET First Program Coordinator

Students learn study tips from Elevate Education

Year 11 and 12 students recently worked with a presenter from Elevate Education. Elevate Education is an organisation dedicated to helping students all over Australia to use good habits to facilitate effective learning, to improve learning outcomes and increase overall student performance.

The students learnt a range of study and time management skills as well as exam taking techniques, which we will revisited throughout the year as our Year 12 students, prepare for their external exams in Term 4. The presenter was a third year university student who inspired the students with her use of anecdotal stories that they could easily relate to.

The feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive with 98% of the students suggesting they would recommend the seminar to their peers. Some of the comments included:

This program is engaging and helpful in teaching students how to study and manage time more effectively. I enjoyed it greatly.

It was very engaging and the information presented was relatable and interesting.

I learnt new study skills and ways to improve my marks, which will be very helpful with the stress of Year 11.

I learnt many new ways to study and manage my time, so I found all of it important because I procrastinate too much.

The key messages from the program will be reiterated to senior students throughout their Rich Study program and regular classes.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

School Based Youth Health Nurse

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

I am available at Rockhampton SHS on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays.

My role is to promote health and wellbeing with the school community by 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.

My health and wellbeing focus aligns with the Qld Youth Strategy to assist in building young Queenslanders for a global future. One of my main focuses for 2020 will be to help navigate young people’s healthy futures while dealing with the ever increasing pressures in regard to social media.

For more information on supporting young people, visit the following websites:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
• Kids help line – 1800 55 1800
• Headspace – 1800 650 890
• Office of the eSafety Commissioner
• Safe on Social

Loretta Green
School Based Youth Health Nurse

Senior Schooling Program 2020

Welcome back to another school year and a special welcome to the senior students of 2020.

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. Furthermore, some students are working towards a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). All Rockhampton Stage High School senior students on a pathway to secure either qualification.

Year 11 and 12 students studying four or more General subjects will work towards the attainment of an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for the purpose of university entrance on completion of secondary schooling. The first ATAR scores will be issued to Queensland students in December this year. Teachers have been busily preparing for this new system by engaging in extensive professional development.

Several initiatives have been developed to assist students achieve the goal of ‘earning or learning’ after Year 10. Rockhampton State High School students will work with the “Widening Participation” team from CQUniversity to ensure they are fully aware of their post-school tertiary options. Furthermore, senior students 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 10 students completed a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) in 2019 detailing their goals for senior schooling and beyond. They will revisit this document throughout the senior phase of learning to ensure they are on track to achieve 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.

Currently, Rockhampton State High School boasts over 30 school-based apprentices/trainees in various industry settings. 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. In addition, more than 35 students are currently engaged in vocational education and training at external RTOs in industries identified as priority skill areas by the Queensland government. The skills and experience gained from this study will contribute to the employability of our students.

Short courses such as Financial Literacy, Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, White Card, First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Gaming Services will be organised for our students to participate in this year. Students need to register their interest with the FEET First staff. Furthermore, Rockhampton State High School will continue to liaise with CQUniversity and other local training organisations. It is hoped that these initiatives will ensure that students are successful in their senior schooling and beyond.

I look forward to working with the senior students and their families in 2020.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

BUSINESS EXPERIENCES

Madison Corino had the time of her life when she attended a Business Summer School in Melbourne during the holidays. Read below to discover the wide variety of activities and experiences she had.

Written by Madison Corino, student of Accounting, Business & Legal Studies.

One of my greatest experiences in life so far was attending the National indigenous Business Summer School, which allowed me to meet new people, learn more about my indigenous culture and most importantly learn more about business opportunities at the universities in Melbourne (RMIT and the University of Melbourne). This also gave me an understanding of what university life is like.

Regarding business activities, we did a challenge where we were inspired to create a marketing plan for a business called Aboriginal Carbon Foundation. We covered 12 weeks of business and marketing at a university level in four (4) lessons, where ultimately everyone was pleased with their success. Whilst the program was mainly focused on business, we also experienced a variety of new things, such a making a ball out of possum fur, meeting the famous tennis player Evonne Goolagong and attending the Australian open tennis for a couple of hours.

Whilst these are my highlights, there were other amazing events such as tours, exploring Melbourne’s public transport and meeting the indigenous elders on the campuses. I enjoyed this program so much and hope and encourage other Indigenous students going into Grade eleven or twelve next year to apply for this, especially if you plan to study business in your future; as this was an amazing opportunity.

Shirley Buchholz
HOD Business & Digital Technologies

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