10 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

The last day of a very long term! Sincere thanks to our whole school community for their patience and hard work in what has also of course been a difficult 2020. It’s wonderful that as I write vaccines are being trialled today in the UK and there looks to be a positive post-pandemic future.

The pool day today is a great success with 215 juniors enjoying the last warm day of the school year with our staff.

Thank outgoing school leaders of 2020 particularly captains Phoebe and Isaac assisted by vice captains Kayne and Kyanna. Thanks too to our indigenous leader Nykita and SRC Executive Chloe, Indianna, Shanae, Trinity and Madison.

We also farewell some key staff at Rockhampton SHS and wish them all the best in their future endeavours!

• Cindy Mills
• Alanna Waugh
• Duncan Inglis
• Alyson English
• Sue Davidson
• Stephen Denning

We have some very exciting developments in 2021, including:

• Commencement of work on our $2.5M aquaculture centre
• Installation of a $700 000 security fence (fully funded by the Dept. of Education)
• $400 000 additional laptops and trolleys
• Purchase of e-learning platforms to support priorities of engagement and differentiation

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hard working P&C (who continued to meet with distancing) during the year to work for further school improvements. I would also like to thank our hard working staff and students and our parents and caregivers who have supported the school and students to once again achieve great outcomes in 2020!

Kind regards
Kirsten Dwyer

Important Dates - 2021

Supporting the next generation

Each year high schools from Gladstone, Bundaberg and Rockhampton are invited to nominate a student to receive GPC’s Student of the Year Bursary, as part of their Community Investment Program.

Recipients are nominated for displaying a positive attitude, commitment to education and for having a great connection to the community.

We would like to congratulate the 2020 GPC Student of the Year Bursary recipient, Phoebe Keable-Sutton.

Hospitality students serve up a storm

Yr 11 Hospitality students catered for the recent Subject and Sports Awards ceremony at Rockhampton State High School. Students were involved in all planning, trialling, preparation and service aspects to provide a quality menu.

Students provided a range of hot and cold savoury appetizers and a selection of desserts for staff and students in attendance. The professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by the Yr 11 Hospitality cohort is to be commended. Well done!

Mrs Granville
Home Economics HOD

Important information for families of Year 12 graduates

Final Year 12 results

Final subject results and senior education profiles (SEP) will be in learning accounts from 9am on Saturday 19 December. There is no automatic mail out of results this year – students must access them online if they want them in December. Students can apply to the QCAA for a print copy but they won’t receive it until March 2021.

To access results, students need to register for the Student Portal ahead of time so they can get their results on the day they are released. Students can access it via the myQCE website. They need their 10 digit LUI which was written on their valedictory pack. Once they’ve registered, they can log in with the email and the password they nominated. They must use their personal email (not school email) and their mobile number when they register. If they have already registered with a school email address, it’s easy to change it. Simply log in and go to “My details”, then select “Update email” on the top navigation.

Students may request a print copy of their SEP from the QCAA. Requests received by 31 January 2021 will be posted during March 2021. Print copies are free the first time they are issued.

Students receiving a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) will automatically receive a print copy of the SEP in the mail after 19 December.

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

ATARS are released on 19 December via the QTAC “ATAR Portal”. Students need to sign up to this Portal in order to access their ATAR on 19 December.

Next Step Survey

A member of the Queensland Government will contact Year 12 school leavers regarding the Next Step survey.

The Next Step post-school destination survey identifies the study, work or other point-in-time destinations of school leavers in Queensland. The Next Step survey provide valuable information to improve the services available to school leavers in the future. The surveys collect information about what school leavers are doing in the year after leaving school.

Students who complete Year 12 in 2020 will complete the “Year 12 Completers Survey”. There is information about the Next Step survey in the valedictory pack.

On behalf of the FEET First team, I would like to wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

Trudy Crow
HOD Senior Schooling

EXCEL Term 4 2020

Year 7 and 8 EXCEL Science Students Visit Koorana Croc Farm

As part of their Term 4 studies, Year 7 and 8 EXCEL students visited Koorana Crocodile Farm. Students were immersed in the world of apex predators, ecology and reproduction of reptiles. They were led around the Farm by John McGrath, who suggested the students remember the government’s Croc-Wise statements whenever they are around waterholes. An interesting point that John shared with us was that saltwater crocodiles can survive for long periods of time in freshwater. He explained to the students that just because a freshwater crocodile is present does not mean a saltwater crocodile isn’t! *Photos from the day were shared on our Facebook page on November 2nd.

Year 7

EXCEL Maths

This year in EXCEL Mathematics, students have designed robots and gardens, determined best buys and if they were ‘normal’ (according to the ratio between foot length and height of course), transformed shapes, manipulated algebraic equations and grown exponentially with their maths skills! The students had some significant growth in learning how to tackle real world problems through guided inquiry learning and were faced with the ultimate test in self-determination during home learning in term 2. Well done year 7’s on finishing your first year of high school! Remember, I believe in you. Now go out and make millions!

Mr Forbes

EXCEL Science

High school science is often very different to primary school experiences with studying science. As a class we’ve investigated the adhesive and cohesive properties of water, whether extending the length of levers increases the force a spear is thrown with, whether traditional separation techniques can be classified as successful, and how crocodiles can help to maintain ecological balances throughout Northern Australia. The class worked hard to demonstrate their understanding across a plethora of subjects, and we’ve enjoyed the learning journey together.

Mrs Sinnamon

EXCEL Humanities

What an amazing ride 2020 has been! This year has been a crazy journey, but this year’s 7 EXCEL Humanities have risen to the challenge and have been a real pleasure to teach.

In Semester One, students explored The Caves and learnt about Australia’s past, including our massive MegaBeasts. Ancient Egypt was explored during COVID-19 shutdown but that did not stop them from gaining the historical skills needed to unpack the mysteries of the past. The following unit, in Semester 2, Geography, had the class on an excursion to Emu Park, where locals were interviewed to determine liveability. They then were engaged with Water in the World, which allowed students to better understand the importance of availability to fresh water. Last (but not least) students learnt about why it’s important to be an active citizen in Australia, and also dove deep into the world of Business. Students created a product and a business to pitch to Sharks (investors) to gain interest in a mock investment. All in all, a wonderful year, filled with adventure, skill-building and life experiences!

Miss Bielenberg

EXCEL English

2020 has been a big year, with students starting their high school experience by exploring the world of the infamous Ned Kelly in order to construct a recount from an alternative perspective. At the end of the term, students made use of their newfound knowledge of language features by participating in a debate: was Ned Kelly a hero or a villain? Term two ushered in the analysis of poetry and songs, where students realised that some songs would never sound the same again! During the Advertising Analysis unit in term three, the class investigated the manipulative nature of advertising which complemented their term four studies. To wrap up their first year of high school, the 7s engaged in a week long debate to determine if Bindi Irwin had plagiarised Severn Suzuki’s famous environmental speech. These persuasive skills culminated in the construction and presentation of their own engaging and entertaining motivational speeches!

Miss Beattie

Year 8

EXCEL Humanities

What a crazy journey! 8 EXCEL Humanities started the year off by engaging in group Project Based Learning, where they investigated how Australia’s rights and freedoms compared to other countries. Each group decided how they wanted to present the information, with some opting for video trailers and others choosing to create stunning infographics! The style of learning changed again during the online phase, but students enjoyed exploring the world of Medieval Europe through an explanatory essay. We also delved into the intricacies of the feudal hierarchy in Shogunate Japan, and students tried their hand at creating their own lesson about Sakoku, as well as making their own woodblock print by using the ancient Japanese technique. In term three, students visited Yeppoon to record cases of erosion along the beach, and discussed strategies to mitigate the effects that humans have on the environment. The unit provided an opportunity to recreate tectonic plate movement in clay, which saw a lot of artistic ability come to the surface! To wrap it all up, Changing Nations has allowed students to better understand the importance of managing megacities and rapid urbanisation, while their inner artist was again put to work to sketch an urban landscape.

Miss Bielenberg

EXCEL MATHS

Throughout 2020 EXCEL maths, we have learnt many new things, including volume, congruent triangles and data. It was a rough year, due to online learning, and having our teacher changed. However Mr Cavanagh was a great teacher, and was able to explain the question in another way if we didn’t understand it. This was very helpful, and definitely improved my learning.

Bella P

During year 8 EXCEL maths I have learnt multiple things. Firstly, I have learnt how to identify congruent triangles and how to write congruent statements. Secondly, I am learning about identifying volume. This is difficult as it’s hard to remember all of the volume rules. Lastly, I have learnt about linear equations, which is easy. Overall, I have found some things difficult and some things hard.

Alexander N

EXCEL Science

As the end of the year fast approaches, I would like to take the opportunity to thank my students and parents of our 8 EXCEL Science class. In what has been a trying year for everyone, coming to school each day to these smiling, intuitive students has been a privilege! We worked quite hard this year and covered lots of things from chemical and physical changes, geology, indigenous cultures where we learnt how to make fires, cells and about reproduction. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these bright sparks. Good luck next year!

Mr Holloway

EXCEL English

You wouldn’t read about it! Year 8 English began by investigating the resilience of the human spirit, the repercussions of isolation and the importance of human relationships in Mary Shelley’s play adaptation of Frankenstein. Little did we know- in term one- how pertinent these topics would be! (Point to note for readers: Frankenstein is the scientist, NOT THE MONSTER – this was enlightening for many of us; Scooby Doo cartoons probably need to take some responsibility for this misinformation!) Term two saw us reading Leaving Barrumbi from our lounge rooms whilst learning from home. During this time of isolation, many of us grew to have a greater appreciation for the work our teachers do, so thank you Ms Fisher! Back at school in term three, we were ready for our short story investigation. Our assessment work saw the creation of many entertaining and engaging tales. Speaking of storytelling, our last unit prompted us to read the news with a critical and questioning eye. We investigated the ways in which media organisations have the ability to manipulate us with clever and calculated use of language and visual features. The good news is that we are onto them!

Year 9

EXCEL Maths

This year the year 9 EXCEL maths class has studied a wide range of topics, ranging from trigonometry to algebra. Everyone was willing to work hard and extend their knowledge on topics and skills they would not usually encounter until year 10 or 11, such as combinatorics and difficult algebra, while still excelling on their exams.

Amber Nielsen & Georgia Perfect

EXCEL English

In Year 9 English, 4 main topics were covered throughout the year. In the first term, the novel ‘Boy Overboard’ by Morris Gleitzman was covered on the topic of refugees. The book tells the story of an Afghan family's struggle to escape the horrors of life in a country under a cruel government. It is a fast-paced story about escape, hope and football! Additionally, the first five weeks of term 2 were completed during online learning. The new topic was based around Australian advertising and analysis. Moreover, term 3 was covering the subject of speculative fiction, and students were required to write a short story in the genre. This caused for a surge in creativity, and many knowledgeable books and movies are included in the genre, such as The Fifth Element, Shadowhunters and Percy Jackson. The last term of 2020 focussed on the play ‘Twelve Angry Men’ by Reginald Rose, which outlined many ethical issues, and the effects these can have on the justice system. Students had to answer three statements with evidence from the play to support their arguments. This year has been very eventful, and a knowledge filled year!

Alyssa Promnitz – 9 ENX

Whilst in 2020 Year 9 Extension English have covered the same topics and units as the remainder of Year 9 students, we have had some added activities to ‘spice up’ our learning. We have completed a research activity analysing the refugee situation in Australia, we have been jurors deliberating the fate of a defendant based on a case scenario and have created speculative fiction stories. Most recently, we have looked at different time periods and analysed and compared social issues to the 1950s – the time period in which the play Twelve Angry Men, our studied play, was set. Overall, a fantastic and busy year was held for ENX091A!

Mrs Schuemaker

EXCEL Science

It has been a privilege to teach such a motivated group of students eager to embrace new science knowledge and always striving to do their best. Throughout the year they have perfected the art of the scientific investigation, designing and performing experiments and then presenting them as a scientific report. They have undertaken many different investigations including the best insulating material for use in a home, investigating the factors that effect germination in native seeds and finishing with investigating different types of chemical reactions suitable for a heat and eat food pack.

During COVID, they had to adapt to a different style of learning, which they did effortlessly. There was a constant stream of emails showing their completed work and asking questions throughout this online learning phase. Some of the extension activities they have undertaken included using the 3D printer, investigating the characteristics of light and investigating various types of chemical reactions, to finish the year with a bang. Throughout the year they have enjoyed using different types of technologies, such as pH and temperature probes.

Year 10

EXCEL English

2020 has certainly had its challenges, both in and out of the classroom but we have managed to excel, despite the many slings and arrows. Our studies this year have taken us from our classrooms to our lounge rooms, from the Australian outback to Nazi Germany. We have witnessed Macbeth’s demise and Liesel Meminger’s resilience and determination. We’ve discovered that poems can tell a story in the most magical of ways and that language has power. We have created, analysed, persuaded and discussed and feel prepared for the challenges that year 11 English will bring. Thanks to Miss Tones and Ms Garner for an EXCELlent year!

EXCEL Science

2020. What a year! To say it has been eventful would be a huge understatement however, students have navigated the changes with relative ease. This year students have had the opportunity to engage in the Biological, Chemical, Physical and Earth Sciences, participating in multiple experiments along the way. Some of these experiments include but are not limited to strawberry DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, flame test, acid-base titration, and experiments related to Newton’s first and third laws. Students have also had the opportunity to take the lead on learning experiences of interest. This term Cooper Armstrong-Hall took centre stage on his knowledge of the universe, which led to many insightful discussions and at times, debates in class. The students have finally completed the full suite of compulsory science, and while some have chosen to continue the subject in 2021, I wish all students the very best in their future endeavours and could not thank them enough for making my first year, as an EXCEL teacher, a more memorable one.

Mrs Von Doom

10 MAX

The EXCEL group in year 10 Maths have had, for the first time since starting high school, additional content in their curriculum compared to core classes. This additional content is designed to develop the skills that are vital for students wanting to prepare for Mathematical Methods and/or Specialist Maths in the senior years. In essence, the year 10A curriculum includes the topics and content of core 10 Maths in each unit and then includes additional content; for example, the trigonometry unit includes working with surds, 3-dimensional trig and graphs of trig functions. There is a large focus on function study throughout 10A and each topic has greater complexity for this group. The 10A course is designed to be challenging enough to keep students engaged and also offers an insight into the applications of Maths to solve problems.

All year 10s had an extra lesson each week which focussed on Excel spread sheeting skills along with report writing for Problem Solving and Modelling Tasks (PSMTs). The EXCEL students explored situations such as maximising the volume of an open box; comparing reaction times for males versus females; and modelling a reducing balance loan using a spread sheet. In each of these situations, students learnt how to develop a solution to a set problem which was evaluated and reported on. In the senior years, students will be exposed to Problem Solving and Modelling Tasks regardless of the level of Maths they have chosen.

The group as a whole have handled the work with merit and enjoyed the extra challenge and come to terms with having to complete more challenging tasks on their assessments compared to the core classes. As their teacher, I have enjoyed their commitment and engaging banter throughout the year and wish them all success in their future studies throughout their senior years.

Russell Taylor

New Additions to the Outdoor Gallery

The Rockhampton State High School Outdoor Gallery was started in 2015 to showcase the artworks made by our talented students. Since then the work of over a hundred students has added colour and creativity to our school. We have recently installed eight new panels on school buildings for our outdoor gallery. These artworks represent a selection of our students’ best artworks made in 2020. A big thank you to our school P&C for their support of our creative students and our Arts faculty. Congratulations to all students who are represented this year in our outdoor gallery.

Lino Print by Taya Youl, on D Block

Impressionist Landscapes by Year 11 VAP 2020

Illusory Drawing by Cooper Clark, on the Science Block

Watercolour Collages by Year 9 Art, on the Science Block

Fauve Animal Portraits by Year 11 VAP, on the Hall

Artist’s Book by Mary Gooda, on the Library

Assemblage Sculptures by Year 10 Art, on the Art Block

Leadership Camp

Fifteen year 10 students attended this year’s leadership camp held at the Yeppoon PCYC during week 8. The students who attended, completed a range of physical and mental tasks designed to push them out of their comfort zones and develop capacity to face challenges as future leaders of our school and community. The feedback from students was amazing. They especially loved rock climbing, the crate stack, high ropes, kayaking and laser skirmish to name a few activities. Students were also able to get to know a range of other students they might not usually hang out with at school and expand friendships. Both Ms Meiers and Mr Forbes were so impressed with their effort and attitude throughout the camp and were thankful to Saul and all of the staff from Yeppoon PCYC for their engaging activities and hospitality. Well done students!

Mr Forbes and Ms Meiers
Year Co-ordinators

Barhi

The staff at the Barhi Centre would like to congratulate the 17 students who completed their Year 12 studies. It has been an unusual year for all students, but it has been pleasing to see many of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have put in a huge effort and their marks have reflected this.

COVID-19 has impacted on many of the activities normally held throughout the year. However, the ARTIE Program, Deadly Choices and NAIDOC celebrations did go ahead this year. The Barhi Centre also hosted a visit from the Australian Catholic University, who spoke about scholarship opportunities to the Senior Students. Thank you to the community organisations that came into the school to support our students, such as Darumbal Community Youth Service and CQID.

Congratulations also goes to Dakota Shaw who is our 2021 Indigenous School Leader and thank you to Nikyta Campbell for her leadership in 2020.

The Barhi Staff would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, a Deadly New Year and safe holidays.

Kind regards
Stacey, Larni, Di and Eric

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event