1 March 2021

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It’s hard to believe that we are at the middle of term 1 already! We have started the year with continued growth (1217 students) and the playground is certainly busy. Thankfully the record-breaking hot weather seems to have ended.

We are undertaking a review of facilities, equipment and activities for students at lunchtimes and have ordered a significant amount of additional seating to accommodate our growth.

The canteen is also a busy place. Parents are reminded to download the Qkr app for canteen pre-order and payment.

We have made a very big investment in additional computers, laptops, infrastructure and online learning platforms (Atomi and Education Perfect) in 2021 to support engagement, differentiation, revision and study habits. There is excellent early feedback on these programs and if successful we will build on further investment in 2022.

Our students have done a great job of settling in to the start of year, and our newest year 7 are a great cohort. Sincere thanks to Ms Amanda O’Beirne and Mr Tom Lorette for their work with these students and for the highly successful Welcome BBQ on 18 February.

We look forward to School photo day on 1 March and the Swimming Carnival on 5 March.

Warm regards
Kirsten Dwyer
Principal

Heads of Department are able to assist with enquires regarding subjects and subject related matters.

HOD Business & DiT- Shirley Buchholz
HOD English - Teri Garner
HOD HPE & Sport - Damien Kelso
HOD Home Economics & Pedagogy – Julie Granville
HOD Humanities & LOTE – Sally Dee
HOD Learning Engagement – Amanda O’Beirne
HOD Manual Arts & Agriculture Acting – Lachlan Wells
HOD Mathematics - Jane Taylor-Thompson
HOD Science - Stephen Ladley
HOD Senior Schooling - Trudy Crow
HOD Special Education – Joy Wheeler
HOD The Arts Acting – Paige Hennessey

2021 Year Co-Ordinators and Support Staff

Year 7 Tom Lorette & Amanda O’Beirne
Year 8 Josh McGrath & Kaitlyn Beattie
Year 9 Grant Burchmann & Kaitlyn Palmer
Year 10 Lachlan Wells & Angela Sorrensen
Year 11 Jordan Meirs
Year 12 Lachlan Webley & Lauren Dolgner

Guidance Officers: Catherine Spencer & Wade Smith
Chaplain: Damien Clements
Student Support Officer: Penny Peers
School Nurse: Patricia Cope
Community Education Counsellor: Stacey Chamberlain

Administrative staff

Principal - Kirsten Dwyer

Deputy Principals - (Melanie Brown, James Zimmer and Barry Jenkin) are always happy to receive calls and meet with you. Please contact the office to make an appointment.

Parents’ and Citizens’ Association

The school’s Parents’ and Citizens’ Association has a very significant role in funding important facilities and curriculum projects. It depends on volunteer support. Over the years, an active group of parents has worked diligently to improve the school environment.

I strongly encourage parents to consider making a small-time commitment and becoming a member of the Parents’ and Citizens’ Association. It is a very friendly group and has a great spirit of co-operation.

The Parents’ and Citizens’ Association meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7.00pm at the school’s Conference Room. Light supper is provided. All are welcome!

Interhouse Swimming Carnival - 2021

The annual Swimming Carnival is fast approaching, with students facing off in the pool On Friday 5 March, the end of week 6. It is a full day event, with parental permission an absolute must for attendance! Forms were distributed to ALL students earlier in the term, and are due with $2.50 payment to the Cash Collection Window at school by Wednesday 3 March. As it is a “regular” school day, all students are expected to attend, with involvement in competitive and participation type races strongly encouraged. Students are required to attend form class as per normal on the Friday. All students are expected to wear full school uniform or house colours to and from the pool. They may change into costume at the pool. Students cannot mix uniform and non-uniform items.

The canteen at the pool will be open to students from 11am onwards in addition to the BBQ lunch provided by the school. Participation type events have been scattered throughout the day to ensure everyone has the opportunity to regularly participate and contribute to their overall house point tally, while having a super fun time in the process.

Students will have “House Meetings” with their House Masters and Captains at the beginning of week 6 to plot their assault on the first carnival of the year. Will the Laver Crocodiles retain the trophy for their second consecutive year, or will the Armstrong Sharks do their Olympic Swimming House Patron proud and thrash their way to glory? You’ll have to be poolside on Friday March 5 to find out…

Damien Kelso
HOD of HPE and Sport

Senior Schooling Program 2021

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 were issued to Queensland students in December last 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 2020 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 25 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 40 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 2021.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Girls Rugby League

Congratulations go to Elesha Hill, Hannah Ryan, Cadence Fouracre, Hollie Murphy and Gabby Yarrow. The girls were successful at the District selection trials held at Kettle Park on Tuesday, 16th February. The Rockhampton District teams will play in the Capricornia Region selection trials to be held on Wednesday, 3rd March.

The 2021 interschool girls’ rugby league season will be played in Term 2. Rockhampton High’s teams will begin training towards the end of Term 1.

Law prize awarded to worthy recipient

Local Rockhampton law firm, Phelan Family Law, is a strong supporter of our Legal Studies program through their generous sponsorship of the Year 12 top Legal Studies student bursary. Last year, the recipient of the bursary was Jordan Barnett. She was presented with her prize by her sister, Ashlee Barnett, who is a former Rocky High student and trainee solicitor at Phelan Family Law. We would like to thank Phelan Family Law for their continued support and wish Jordan all the best in her future endeavours.

Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling and RTO Manager

White Card – Construction Induction Safety Course

SDS Training will be running the White Card – Construction Induction Safety Course on Monday 29 March 2021 (Week 10) 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 2021.

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

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

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

For any further enquiries, please contact Ellinah Wheeler on 49 204 391 or email ewhee44@eq.edu.au.

Ellinah Wheeler
FEET First Program Coordinator

MAKING A SCENE! – Drama

This term has kicked off with a bang in Miss Rawlings’s and Miss Monk’s Drama classes.

In week 2 the senior drama students from Years 10 to 12 participated in a specialised performing skills workshop ran by Artistic Director of Grin & Tonic, Jason Klarwein. In this workshop students learnt about the importance of stage design, body language, and an actor’s line of sight. The students had a lot of fun, preparing them for their performance assessments this term.

The Year 9 and 10 students have been learning about Collage Drama, a style of theatre that layers stories in order to make a dramatic statement about an issue or theme. In week 4 students began working on the theme of bullying. In ONE WEEK they wrote, rehearsed AND performed an entire student-devised scene each to the class! We couldn’t be more proud of their work, and can’t wait to see what else they come up with as we approach Queensland Theatre Companies SCENE Project in Term 2.

And finally to the Year 7s. In their five short weeks they have accomplished so much, both inside and outside of class. Week 2 saw some students’ first interaction with live theatre as they watched Grin & Tonic’s performance of Edgar Allen Poe’s Hilariously Gruesome Tales of Mystery and Imagination. In class, students have been learning about the Elements of Drama as they engage with various styles of Australian Theatre. This week they will begin studying Real TV’s play ‘The Clown from Snowy River’. The Clown from Snowy River is an energetic, hilarious exploration of the Australian national identity through the art of clowning and physical comedy. Over the term students will write and create their own skits that explore their interpretations of what it means to be Australian. And OUTSIDE of the classroom, students meet each week with Miss Monk for the Junior Theatre Troupe. In troupe, students play a variety of improvisation games that help develop their creativity, performing skills, and of course their funny bones!

Yes, it’s been a big term so far in the performing arts – but we have a lot more in store. Watch this space!

Stephanie Rawlings
Arts Teacher

Start of the year message from Your School Based Police Officer

Welcome to the 2021 school year. I hope you all created fabulous memories this holiday season.

I am Officer MARSHALL, some of you may have meet me last year. I am looking forward to a productive 2021.

My role is to :

• Promote positive relationships between the school community and Police,
• Help students understand the law and legal procedures relating to youth
• Attend to Police related matters within the school.

My aim is to:

• Humanize the badge creating positive associations with the children and the community
• Enhance safety and wellbeing of children through education
• Encouragement of Law-abiding behavior

I work in conjunction with the school’s protocol and support the processes that are in place

This year I am focusing on a number of topics including:

• Truancy
• Bullying
• Assaults
• Road Safety

If you would like to discuss any of these topics with me or you would like a greater understanding of law and legislation in relation to these matters, I am at School Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm. Ph4920 4333

• Handy numbers to have in your phone:
• Emergency - 000
• Police link – 131444
• Crime Stoppers – 1800333000
• Hoon hot line – 134666
• Rockhampton Police Station - 49323500

Enjoy your year.

We are role models, keep it classy and keep safe

Officer MARSHALL

Natasha MARSHALL Senior Constable 4032420 School Based Police Officer
Marshall.Natashak@Police.qld.gov.au

Maths matters

Welcome to the Maths department, especially our year 7 students. At Rockhampton State High, we use various resources to ensure a successful transition from primary to high school. Year 7s 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.

New online tools for 2021

This year students will have access to new online platforms to enhance their skills in a variety of subjects. Junior students will be using Education perfect on a regular basis for consolidating their learning, formative assessments and targeted revision of topics that need further development.

Senior students may also access Education perfect as well as ATOMI for all ATAR subjects.

Senior Maths subjects

The senior students use the Cambridge Senior Mathematics for Queensland series of textbooks. The senior syllabus requires a commitment to regular revision of classwork and completion of exercises at home in order to be successful.

Students studying General Maths, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths will be using the new online platform ATOMI to enhance their learning experience.

Student Resource Scheme

Statements will been sent out this week for the Student Resource Scheme for 2021 of $180

Payments can be made at the Cash Collection Window at the General office or by using one of the payment processes below.

Bpoint online with Visa or MasterCard

Debtor Statements will be emailed or posted out each term. Your customer reference number (CRN) is located in the box at the bottom left corner of your debtor statement. Use the invoice number on your current statement, this is a five digit number located below the student EQ Id.

Centrelink

If a parent/guardian receives Centrelink payments you can have a regular amount deducted from your payment directly to us for payment of fees etc. Options to do this: 1. Parent/guardian can go to Centrelink in person. 2. Use the myGov website/app, 3. Contact the school directly or provide your details below. Rockhampton State High School CRN: 555 105 475 C

Direct Deposit with Telephone or Internet banking

Account Name: Rockhampton SHS BSB: 064 – 710 ACC NO: 00090627

Reference: eg: John Smith SRS ( “SRS” – Student resource scheme)

Our newest payment option

Step 1 Download Qkr from the app store

Step 2 Register – Select Australia and follow the steps to register

Step 3 Find our school. It will show in “Nearby Locations” if you are within 10km, or search by name.

Step 4 Register your children. When first accessing our school you will be prompted to add a student profile for your child. This allows you to make payments. You are able to add multiple students to your profile.

Step 5 Make a payment. Select which child and select item eg. (2021 Year 7 SRS) Student Resource Scheme. Select full or part payment (only available for selected items). Select ‘Add to cart’. Select ‘checkout’ then confirm and pay. You can email yourself a receipt for future reference.

Payment Information

You are able to add up to 5 cards to your wallet. At checkout you are able to select which card you would like to use. Once your payment is approved you can continue to the home page, or view your receipt.

If you have any question please contact the office 49 204 333.

Year 7 Japanese students

Year 7 Japanese students have had a great start to the year. They started by learning their first Japanese script, Hiragana. More recently, they have been singing the ‘Heads, shoulders, knees and toes’ song in Japanese, practising their body parts in preparation for describing their dream pets.

Japanese Fun Fact

New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. Many Japanese families will spend NYE watching ‘Kohaku uta gassen’ a TV program featuring J-pop and enka singers.

Jordan Meiers
Japanese and Art Teacher and Year 11 Coordinator

FEET First Program 2021

In 2021, 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 student’s 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 (13 – 17 September 2021).

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 Tuesday 27 April 2021.

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.

Short Course Dates:

White Card – Monday 29 March 2021 - One day Construction Induction Safety course.
RSA - Tuesday 22 June 2021 - One day Responsible Service of Alcohol course.
RGS – Thursday 24 June 2021 - One day Responsible Gaming Service course.
First Aid Course – Wednesday 15 September 2021

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 Food and Beverage – CQUniversity
Cert II in Kitchen Operations – CQUniversity
Cert II in Community Services (online) - 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.

Ellinah Wheeler
FEET First Program Co-ordinator

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