18 March 2020
Newsletter Articles
From the Principal
2020 has been a very hot, wet and interesting year to date! Despite this we have a terrific attendance rate and some very good outcomes. I would like to thank all members of the school community for a productive and positive start to the year.
Please note that as at 16 March there are no school closures due to COVID-19. Students are responding very well to additional safety measures and all have access to school-purchased personal soap bars in zip lock bags. Please see attached latest Health Department information regarding infectious disease control. The school has ordered additional soap dispensers, 3000 individual packet of soap and individual zip lock bags, 55 litres of forming soap and 100 packets of antibacterial wipes. We have also purchased additional cleaner hours to focus on toilet cleaning and soap restocking.
Senior Assessment Processes for COVID-related absences
For senior students, it is business as usual in relation to assessment submission, unless there are extenuating circumstances. The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) have urged schools to follow the QCE and QCIA policy and procedures handbook v1.2 when making decisions about assessment submission dates. Essentially, special provision can be granted when an AARA application is accompanied by medical documentation, which specifies the dates a student is required to be absent. This would allow a student to sit a comparable exam on their return to school or have an extension to their assignment due dates. Alternatively, students can choose to sit a supervised exam in the office conference room away from the general school population.
The Learning Place – eLearning Environment
Senior students should continue to access the Learning Place for their course materials and for the submission of assessment. Please contact your class teacher if you have any concerns with this.
The Learning Place is the department's comprehensive eLearning environment providing secure access to an innovative range of digital tools, resources and online spaces for teaching and learning. Teachers at Rockhampton State High School have created eLearning environments so that students can access resources, assessment tasks and learning material away from school. Assignments can also be submitted via the SafeAssign provision built into The Learning Place.
Most senior students are familiar with the process to access The Learning Place, however, for those who aren’t, the steps are listed below:
- Access the internet and search (via a search engine such as Google Chrome or Firefox) “The Learning Place”
- Select “Student Space”
- Login using your normal EQ login and password
- Click on the relevant subject on the right hand side of the home page
- Learning material is accessible via the “Course Documents” or “Assessment” tab
If a student is experiencing difficulty accessing The Learning Place from home, they are encouraged to contact the school on 49204333.
Assessment and absence
School is business as usual, therefore, special provision cannot be applied unless it is accompanied by medical documentation which specifies the dates of the required absences. This is in line with Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) advice around this issue as well as the QCE and QCIA Handbook page 77 (6.5.3) regarding supporting documentation.
Junior Students - Curriculum resources
A suite of curriculum resources providing opportunities and resources for students to continue their learning while not being able to access a school have been developed by the Department of Education.
These materials are designed as a support tool for students to engage in familiar activities essential to their learning and wellbeing. The included tasks and activities allow for students to work at their own pace from home. These materials can be accessed at:
https://learningplace.eq.edu.au/cx/resources/file/6f953822-eb08-473b-9f36-f5637af98019/1/index.html
Please note that this is an interim measure; the school is developing specific online materials for all students to access.
Outdoor Classroom
Our latest facility, the Outdoor Classroom is underway with expected completion mid-May. On Campbell St students should only access the main gate or one near Performing Arts (not Library). This structure is between the Library and Hall. It will also serve as a function area for some ceremonies and events.
Year 7 Welcome BBQ
The Year 7 Welcome BBQ on 20 February was very well attended. As usual it was a lovely afternoon. Many thanks to our P&C for sponsorship of this, as well as year co-ordinators Mandy O’Beirne and Josh McGrath for overall organisation. Thanks to parents of our year 7s for their very positive and constructive feedback about life at high school so far.
School Crossing Supervisors
A number of our staff have been trained as School Crossing Supervisors to ensure student safety on busy Campbell St in the afternoons. Please remind your child to cross at the crossing where possible, and not to go from Exhibition Rd to Wandal shops.
Finally, thanks to our wonderful Student Representative Council students may access free toast daily (before school from 8:30am) from the canteen. This initiative has been well-received and helps to ensure our students have the very best start to their day.
Please see the following message re COVID -19 from Director-General Tony Cook:
Mass Gatherings
As you would be aware, the Australian Government has announced that all organised, non-essential mass gatherings attended by more than 500 people must be cancelled from Monday 16 March 2020.
While the announcement was very clear this does not apply to schools, and that there is no need for mass school closures, it does include activities such as school fetes, fairs, concerts and the like where they involve more than 500 people.
Our school is in the process of reviewing our forward activity schedule and will postpone our participation in any activities that meet this criteria until further notice.
As our response to COVID-19 is all about containment, I continue to ask all families to pay extra attention to health and hygiene measures employed at home with your children, particularly the use of soap and, if soap is not available, hand sanitiser. You can be assured we are reinforcing this message at school.
These directions are all about supporting a national effort to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19. Each one of us, and our school, play a vital role in this effort and I ask for your continued support in this containment effort. Students must not attend school if they are unwell.
International Travel
I also draw your attention to the Australian Government’s announcement that all people arriving in Australia must now self-isolate for 14 days on their arrival back to Australia. The Department of Education banned all staff and student international school travel last week – this ban now also includes any travel to New Zealand.
Continuity of Teaching and Learning
As the COVID-19 situation evolves, our school continues to prepare for continuity of learning and teaching.
The Department of Education has many resources available to us and our teachers will seek to minimise any disruption to student learning should our school be impacted by the virus.
Ongoing Planning
As we have already seen across the world, this situation is likely to continue for some time and is evolving. As such, as a school and as a community, we must all prepare over the short, medium and long term.
I ask that you continue to take all necessary local actions to support your child’s, and the school’s, health and hygiene and act in a protective and preventative manner to help limit the spread of coronavirus.
I will continue to provide communication as Australia’s response to COVID-19 evolves. Thank you for your vigilance in helping us manage this public health issue.
Regards
Kirsten Dwyer
From School Based Youth Health Nurse
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness.
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Ten ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and running water, for at least 20 seconds. Dry with paper towel or hand dryer.
- Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.
- Isolate yourself at home if you feel sick. If you take medication ensure you have adequate supplies.
- Phone your GP first if you need medical attention. They will tell you what to do.
- Continue healthy habits: exercise, drink water, get plenty of sleep, and now is the time to quit smoking. Call the Quitline 137 848.
- Don't wear a face mask if you are well.
- Buy an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with over 60 per cent alcohol.
- Get the flu shot (available April).
- Shaking hands is optional!
Queensland Health continues to actively manage the coronavirus disease situation. For more information see the following:
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information to support children and young people
- coronavirus stop the spread of germs
- handwashing 12 step guide
Loretta Green
SBYHN
Year 7 Welcome BBQ
Recently 250 students and family members attended the annual Year 7 BBQ to welcome our newest cohort and celebrate their first year at high school. Students Keeley Neven and Luke Moore spoke of a great start to the year, with many exciting opportunities on offer. These events are always well attended and provide a supportive environment for parents and teachers to meet.
Amanda O’Beirne
Year 7 Coordinator)
QCAA External Assessment Timetable
External assessment will take place from 26 October to 17 November 2020. During this time, all students studying General subjects across the state will sit an examination that is set and marked by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). The results of this examination will contribute to a student’s ATAR score.
Year 12 students have an electronic copy of the 2020 External Assessment timetable. A hardcopy will be mailed to parents and carers in the near future.
It is imperative that families do not schedule holidays or events that will prevent students from attending their timetabled examinations, as they cannot be rescheduled. For more information, please contact the school on 49204333.
Trudy Crow
Head of Department – Senior Schooling
Year 11 and 12 Assessment Policy - Illness and Misadventure
Students whose ability to attend or participate in an assessment is adversely affected by illness or an unexpected event may be eligible for provisions for illness and misadventure. Illness and misadventure can affect a single student or a group of students.
The following principles apply:
- The illness or event is unforeseen and beyond the student’s control.
- An adverse effect must be demonstrated.
- The situation cannot be of the student’s own choosing or that of their parents/carers, such as a family holiday.
A student who is ill and unable to attend school for internal assessment should inform their teacher or the Head of Department – Senior Schooling (Mrs Crow) as soon as practical. This may be before, during or immediately after the assessment session. In this event, the school will implement a principal-reported AARA (Access and Reasonable Adjustment) to provide opportunities for the student to complete the assessment. Arrangements such as comparable assessment and extensions may be considered when illness or misadventure is established.
Notifications of principal-reported AARAs require the submission of a medical report that provides:
- diagnosis of disability and/or medical condition
- date of diagnosis
- date of occurrence or onset of the disability and/or medical condition
- symptoms, treatment or course of action related to the disability and/or medical condition
- information about how the diagnosed disability, impairment and/or medical condition affects the student participating in assessment, particularly timed assessment when considering external assessment
- professional recommendations regarding AARA.
Therefore, families must request that medical practitioners provide sufficient detail on medical certificates in order for AARAs to be approved. Furthermore, an AARA Application form must accompany the medical documentation.
For more information, please contact the school on 49204333.
Trudy Crow
Head of Department – Senior Schooling
NAPLAN
Our students will be undertaking NAPLAN testing online in May this year for the first time.
We will also be participating in a national practice test on the 31 March 2020. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, and to ensure the students are comfortable and familiar with the online platform.
Actual student data will be used for the dress rehearsal and the May tests. Before testing, please read the information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page. You can also download the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority’s (ACARA) factsheet on how student personal data is collected and protected and the ACARA privacy notice.
Amanda O’Beirne
Head of Department Learning Engagement & Year 7 Coordinator
Students Experience University Life
Year 12 students got a taste of student life during CQUniversity “Uni Experience” held at the North Rockhampton campus on 6 March.
The one-day event included lectures and interactive activities in students’ preferred study areas to allow them to explore areas of interest that are available at CQUniversity. Students also spoke directly with current students and staff about study options.
A highlight of the day was listening to a recent graduate talk of her transition from high school graduate to university graduate. They also networked with students from other secondary schools in the area.
CQUniversity will visit Rockhampton State High School in Term 2 to deliver their CQUni Connect Program to Year 11 and 12 students. This program contains aspiration-building and career-focused content and is run by current CQUniversity degree students. For more information, please contact the Senior Schooling office.
Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling
Swimming Carnival
On Friday 21st November, Rockhampton State High School held their annual Inter-house swimming carnival at the Southside pool. Students arrived wearing their house colours with pride, and eagerly participated in both the competitive and novelty events. It was a great day for both staff and students, with many members of staff jumping in and earning points for their houses. We were also lucky enough to have two members of the Classic Wallabies – Lote Tuqiri and Morgan Turinui – on hand to present and have a photo with our age champions this year!
The Swimming Age Champions for 2020 are
12 years
Girls: Maddison Anderson
Boys: Luke Smith
13 years
Girls: Ella Gleeson
Boys: Connor Munrow
14 years
Girls: Tegan Kelly
Boys: Declan James
15 years
Girls: Brooke Ryan
Boys: Lachlan Balmain
16 years
Girls: Emily Smith
Boys: Brock Christensen
17 years and Over
Girls: Emily Calwell
Boys: Tyler Sander
The final house tally saw victory handed to the Laver Crocodiles!
1st – Laver
2nd – Armstrong
3rd – Meares
4th – Tucker
Congratulations to the Laver Crocodiles, and to all the Rockhampton State High School students who represented their houses with pride!
Just a reminder that the Interschool Cross Country will be held on Friday 03 April. This is a nomination-only event. If you wish to participate in the cross country, collect a permission form from the HPE staffroom (downstairs D-wing), and have it signed and returned to the cash collection window no later than Tuesday 31 March
Tom Lorette
Teacher – Health and Physical Education
We would like to welcome all new and continuing students to the 2020 EXCEL Program. The EXCEL Program includes more than 130 students from year 7 – 10. The 2020 staff for EXCEL are:
Year 7:
English– Miss Bielenberg
Maths – Mr Forbes
Science – Mrs Sinnamon
Humanities – Miss Beattie
Year 8:
English – Ms Fisher
Maths – Mr Wholohan
Science – Mr Holloway
Humanities – Miss Bielenberg
Year 9:
English – Mrs Schuemaker
Maths – Mr Taylor
Science – Mrs Hawkins
Humanities – Mr McGrath
Year 10:
English – Miss Tones
Maths – Mr McCall
Science – Mrs Von Doom
Deputy Principal in charge of EXCEL:
Mr James Zimmer
Year 7 and 8 EXCEL students are impatiently waiting to attend their very first EXCEL group excursion. Students will travel to Gladstone on March 20 to participate in the World Science Festival.
Miss Bielenberg’s 7 English classes donned their Investigator’s Hats recently in order to scrutinise evidence. Students worked their way through fifteen pieces of scattered evidence in order to determine how it linked to their class novel: Black Snake: The Daring of Ned Kelly. Students were intrigued as they read contradicting letters based on events from within the novel, while debating amongst themselves which particular moment in the book best suited an item. Sherlock Holmes better watch out for these detectives!
Mrs Sinnamon’s science class recently tested their knowledge on filtration techniques to make their own water filters from recycled bottles and natural materials. They have also been lucky enough to visit the Fitzroy River Water Treatment Plant to explore how water filtration occurs on a grand scale.
Mrs Sinnamon
EXCEL Coordinator
Queensland Virtual STEM Academy at Central Queensland
Hosted by Rockhampton State High School
In 2019, 313 students from across the region participated in the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy at Central Queensland.
Round 1 for 2020 has begun with 137 Young Scholars from 32 schools enrolled in Grand Challenges and Skill Builders. Round 1 commenced on February 24 and will run for 9 weeks, finishing the week of May 8. The students will break over the holiday period. Rockhampton State High School has 9 students participating in Grand Challenges.
Mackenzie and Josh (Yr8), Sophia (Yr7) and Emma (Year 9) are participating in the Mitigating the Spread of Disease Grand Challenge where students explore the concept of disease management and mitigation strategies and will innovate a solution to provide the population with ways to reduce the spread of disease from animal to animal, animal to human, and plants to plants.
Keeley (Yr7) is part of Healthy Harbours and Habitats Grand Challenge which will see students identifying the importance of natural and artificial habitat restructuring, and have the opportunity to participate in an excursion to the Gladstone Campus of CQUniversity where seagrass flowers will be collected, and artificial reefs can be observed and examined.
Will and Lachlan (Yr9) join the Island Biosecurity team and will explore the importance of biosecurity protocols on Australian island ecosystems. Students will collaborate with members of CQUniversity’s biosecurity study team as well as members of North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre to ideate a solution to the ever-present issue of maintaining the natural flora and fauna on our country’s islands.
Students in the Island Biosecurity course interacting with one of their mentors from CQUniversity, Damian Byrt.
Georgia (Yr9) and Nate (Yr8) are participating in the brand-new course, Audio Warfare. The students will analyse and develop approaches and tools to assist in raising awareness of the impact of sound waves and electromagnetic radiation on our bodies and the environment at large. Students will study concepts such as the electromagnetic spectrum, dispersion of sharks via orca calls, the impact of sound waves on health and ways humans use low frequency noise in the environment.
The QVSA program allows students to participate in authentic, real-world STEM-based research through connections with industry professionals and researchers from CQUniversity and around the world. Mrs Sinnamon and Mr Rutherford deliver these lessons from the brand new QVSA studio, located in the EXCEL room in the library!
Breeha Sinnamon
QVSA at Central Queensland Coordinator