19 November 2021

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

There will be a COVID19 POP UP clinic and school sports sausage sizzle fundraiser at Rockhampton SHS Staff Common Room and Student Services (next to the Administration block) on Sunday 21 November from 9:00am to 1:00pm. Access via Campbell Street.

There will be signs directing to the entrance into Student Services.

We have been advised by Qld Health that those who have had their second immunisation (regardless of vaccine type) before 21 JULY 2021 may receive a Pfizer booster at this clinic.

Here is a link to some resources from Qld Health that can be shared with students/parents around the impact of the COVID19 vaccine on children:

The link before will take you to a copy of a QR code that can be used to register in advance. This is not compulsory, but can help speed up the process.

There is also a link to the consent form that will need to be completed for children aged between 12 – 17 years of age. Forms will also be available at the site.

Please bring your photo ID and Medicare Card.

The follow up clinic will be at same venue on Sat 11 or Sun 12 Dec 2021 – to be advised. Parking is available on Campbell St (Exhibition Road gate closed due to fence build).

Please feel free to share this information with all members of our wider community!

Kind regards
Kirsten Dwyer
Prinicpal

Important Dates

Drone Delivery

Students in Year 7 participated in a drone flying activity where they were required to follow a pre-determined flight path. They learnt the flight commands, how to hover, take off and land. This practical application allowed students to further their knowledge about drones where they had previously explored applications of drone technology. Part of the learning was about safety and drone regulations in the world and more specifically to our local area and our infrastructure. They were challenged on unconscious bias and identifying code associated with educational drones.

Autonomous Things (AuT), such as drones are becoming more and more prevalent in society as a tool to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Education with drones encompasses the application of future skills, digital technologies, and helps to prepare students for future career opportunities. The drone industry is rapidly growing. In a rapidly changing world, the need for drones is on the increase. Schools that include digital technologies can be at the forefront of ensuring their students are well prepared for the future.

Let's get ready to take off.

Shirley Buchholz
HOD - Business & Digital Technologies

2021 Interschool Sport Wrap

After a pretty quiet 2020 for Interschool sport, 2021 saw most sports back in action and we saw over 250 students compete in 10 different sports including Basketball, Rugby League, Netball, Futsal, Touch Football, Volleyball, Soccer, Campdrafting, Gymkhana and Human Powered Vehicle.

In Term 1 our Senior girls Basketball team play against some pretty tough competition, the girls continued to improve each week and continued to smile their way through each game. In Term 2, for the first time ever we nominated 4 boys Basketball teams in a competition which saw over 50 teams compete across the Rockhampton region. All teams recorded a mixed bag of wins and losses and are already training hard for next year. Coordinating 4 teams was an exceptional effort and we thank Mrs Moore, Mr Wells, Ms Brown and Mr Hogan for their work with these Basketball teams.

Our girls Rugby League teams took to the field in Term 2 and show tremendous effort in the 7/8, 9/10 and Open division. Huge congratulations to our 9/10 team who not only came away Grand Final winners in the Interschool competition, but also took out the Karen Murphy Cup, beating teams across Rockhampton and Gladstone. Thank you goes to Mrs Findlater, Miss Murphy, Mrs Fouracre and Mr Cedric Auda for their coordination, coaching and managing of these teams.

A team of senior boys showcased their talents at the AFL gala day in Term 2. Coached by Mr Kilpatrick-Brazier the boys showed tremendous talent after a very short preparation time. They won 2 and lost 2 games with standout performances by Year 12 students Xavier Mason, Jeremiah Murray and Ty Earnst.

Girls Netball always draws a lot of competitors and 2021 saw 5 teams compete for Rockhampton State High. Our 9C team finished 2nd in their pool and our 8C finished 3rd before narrowly missing out on finals. Our year 7C team battled hard in the Grand Final and beat TCC by 1 point to be crowned Champions. Congratulations to Caitlen Weder, Lydia Jackson, Tess Hill who were recognised for their service to Rockhampton State High Netball over the last 5 years. Thank you to Ms Hawkins, Mrs Taylor-Thompson, Miss Milde, Miss Brill, Miss Davey, Mrs Dallow and Miss Bielenberg for their coordination, coaching and managing of these teams in 2021.

In Term 3 the boys Rugby League competition kicked off with Rockhampton High fielding 5 teams. Congratulations to our Year 7 team, coached by Mr Webley, on winning the Grand Final. All teams battled hard throughout the season recording some fantastic wins and close losses. We also celebrate 3 of our Year 12 students Josef Jeffery, Declan Murphy and Brayden Vaggs on their commitment to Rugby League at Rockhampton High and recognise their achievement with a 5-year service award. Thank you to all coaches and managers and trainers involved, Mr Lorette, Mr Webley, Mr Fletcher, Mrs Findlater, Ms Brown and our community volunteers, Mr Brian McKean, Mr Graeme White and Mr Michael White. Lastly, Mr Brodie for his continued dedication and organisation of the Rugby League program here at Rockhampton High school.

Our Human Powered Vehicle team trained hard throughout the year and competed in Emerald at the 16 hour Pedal Pre Super Series (round 3) against 20 other teams from around the region. The team finished 5th overall and 1st in the Senior mixed division. Students rode over 350km in total, working tirelessly throughout the night not just riding but making repairs on their vehicles at 2am! Congratulations to Year 12 student, Star Rumpf who has been acknowledged for her contribution to Human Powered Vehicle over the last 5 years at Rockhampton State High. Thank you to Miss Murphy, Mr Martin and Chappy Damo for their organisation and support for these students.

Term 3 saw our girls take to the fields for Soccer and Touch football. Our Touch football team was made up of students in year 9 and 10 yet competed in the Senior division. After recording some landslide victories with 20-0, 18-0 and 18-2 against the likes of Heights College and Kingsley College, the girls were rewarded with a showdown against the St Ursula’s Open Girls All Schools Touch Team in the Open Division Grand Final. After taking the lead 4-3 at halftime, the girls were down 6-5 late in the game where they managed to equalise to make it 6-6 heading into full time. The girls ended up going down 7-6 in a 3 on 3 drop off. It was a fantastic season for the girls! Thanks to Mr Gill for coaching them for the season.

Our junior and senior Soccer students had another successful year under the guidance of Chappy Damo and Miss Blanch. The senior team had some impressive wins, making it through to the Semi Finals where they narrowly lost to a strong TCC opposition. The junior side battled hard throughout the season and improved with every game they played.

The annual interschool Gymkhana held at Alton Downs was again supported by riders from Rockhampton State High School and saw out student pick up 2nd place overall. The school picked up three first placings: Clare Humble (Year 7), Casey Taylor (Year 8) and Chelsea Finn (Year 10). Tameka Bean (Year 7) finished third with many other students picking up placings for individual events throughout the day. The school also placed second in the prestigious March Past. The young team, mostly consisting of years 7, 8 and 10 students, were very appreciative of senior students Maddison Rose and Montana Brackenridge for assisting throughout the morning in preparing everyone’s horses for the day’s events.

The Rockhampton State School Campdrafting team competed in Dalby this year. With only 8 riders the team rode extremely well placing 16th out of 34 teams in the state. Thank you to Mr Wells for his organisation and supervision of these students. Thanks also to the many parents and families who travelled with and supported these students.

To finish off the year, Volleyball and Futsal were hotly contested competitions. Our senior and junior girls Futsal had a mixed season, recording some wins and some losses and improving each week. Congratulations to Maddison Rose, who was awarded a 6-year service award for her contribution to Futsal for Rockhampton State High school. Thank you to Mrs Findlater and Mrs Moore for their organisation, coaching and supervision of these students.

Rockhampton State High entered 3 teams into the Interschool Volleyball competition. All team performed extremely well at all their games, scoring numerous wins against quality opponents. The Senior Boys were the only team that made the finals, going down in a tight semi-final to Heights College. A big thank you to coaches Mr Evans, Ms Blanch and Mr Lorette for organising, training and coaching the teams.

Thank you to all staff for their involvement in sport in 2021, we sincerely appreciate the effort you put in and the time you give up to help train, coach, manage and organise teams.

Well done to all students who represented our school so wonderfully in their chosen sport in 2021.

Thank you to all the parents and spectators who cheer and support our students throughout the year.

Lastly, a huge THANK YOU also goes to our wonderful Teacher Aide Mrs Sharon Callaghan who does a lot of organising with our uniforms and equipment, making sure we are stocked with first aid and is always happy to lend a hand to staff and students. We couldn’t run interschool sports without her

Claire Moore
Interschool Sport Coordinator

Rockhampton State High School Orchestra - 'On Tour'

In Week 3 this term, the Rockhampton State High School Orchestra went 'on tour' to three of our local primary schools - The Hall State School, Allenstown State School and Crescent Lagoon State School. At each location, our students set up and performed a 30 minute concert for the primary students, several of whom will be considering learning an instrument through their school Instrumental Music Program in 2022. A few of our students had the chance to catch up with their former primary school teachers who also enjoyed seeing the progress our students have made since they were last at the school. Our students conducted themselves respectfully and demonstrated great team work to make the day a success. A big thank you to Miss Dalglish and Mrs Holbeck for their efforts in organising the tour and to Mr Bean for giving his time to be our audio technician and kit player.

Carly Holbeck
Instrumental Music Teacher

Year 7 Excel Science

What a year of science it’s been! Year 7s kicked off Term 1 looking at the water cycle, mixtures and solutions and separation techniques. Hand eye skills were put to the test as students explored the best methods for separating mixtures of different texture.

In Term 2 students explored the world of Forces and how everyday movements and activities require a range of forces to happen. The term culminated with a Rube Goldberg challenge which saw students battle it out to design, build and test a Rube Goldberg machine which joins together many simple machines to complete a task.

A new and exciting program was introduced in Term 3 to our Excel classes, from the University of Queensland called Wonder of Science. Students participated in virtual labs and collaborative inquiry tasks based on real life context. Students designed a bug and used the Linnean Classification system to classify their bug from the Kingdom level, right through to Species. Students presented their inquiry task and the top 3 groups were selected to attend the Regional conference to compete against other Wonder of Science participates. Students presented very well and gained valuable group work and presenting skills. Rounding out Term 4 students are exploring the Seasons, Earth, Moon and Sun rotations, tides and agriculture practices. The year has absolutely flown by and our Year 7s have found their feet and effortlessly become apart of the Rockhampton High Community! It’s exciting to see where their science journey will take them in 2022!

What a year 2021 has been for the Year 7 English Excel class!

Term One started off with a Ned Kelly narrative, and students also had the opportunity after their assessment to determine if Ned was a hero or a villain. Newsflash: the jury determined that he was a villain.

Term Two ushered in a Poetry and Song Analysis unit, where students enjoyed analysing the deeper meaning of lyrics. Their analytical skills transferred to Term Three, where the class re-designed local advertisements that they found on an excursion to Stockland. In groups, their task was to add more appealing persuasive elements. Doing so allowed the students to develop even stronger analytical skills in preparation for their Advertising Analysis exam.

When Term Four rolled around, the Year 7s had a series of tools at their disposal to engage in another trial. This time is was Severn Suzuki against Bindi Irwin. In the mock trial, Irwin was found guilty of plagiarism, and the evidence put forth by both the Prosecution and Defence allowed students to practise their talents of persuasion to prepare for their final Motivational Speech unit.

A cast of characters has definitely appeared for this final task, and Miss Bielenberg wouldn’t have it any other way!

Year 7 Maths

This term in year 7 Maths students focused on data collection and interpretation. Assessment involved collating body dimensions and some of the favourite things that a person in that year level likes so that the humanoid can engage with the students more meaningfully. Students heights were measured, and survey questions were completed by the class. When students had completed a report on their findings they were able to create a robot out of cardboard, paddlepop sticks and other items. These robots were able to represent their robots described in the report, with many students scaling the sizes of their robots comparable to the findings in their report.

Year 7 Humanities

In Term 1, students began studying Australia’s prehistory, focusing on megafauna and the lifestyle of the Kanomi-Woppaburra people (traditional owners of the Keppel Islands), to understanding how archaeological artefact can better help historians understand the past. This resulted in the class doing a mock archaeological dig, uncovering megafauna fossils at the Capricorn Caves, and seeing historical artefacts from the Kanomi-Woppaburra people at the museum on North Keppel Island.

In Term 2, students continued their study of history by focusing on Ancient Egypt. To get a better sense of this ancient civilisation, the class were able to interact and navigate their way through the ancient city of Memphis through the use of a video game.

Term 3 saw students explore Emu Park, where they conducted geographical study that investigated the liveability of Emu Park. The data collected on this visit was then compared against another area within the Rockhampton region.

To finish the year off, students began learning about Australia’s political system, which resulted in a mock referendum. The class became very passionate in their debate on whether the British Monarch should be replaced with a President as Australia next Head of State. Both sides of the debate had well-structured and logically organised argument, but ultimately the majority of the class voted in favour of Australia remaining a constitutional monarchy.

Year 8 Humanities

Civics and Citizenship in Term One saw students engage in group Project Based Learning, where they created a campaign to improve a local problem. Each group decided how they wanted to present the information, with some opting for mock Instagram pages (made on card) and others choosing to create stunning newsletters!

History in Term Two allowed the class to explore the interesting facets of Medieval society – both through research and role play. Miss Dee, the Head of Department for Humanities, organised a Medieval Fair that allowed students to try their hand at jousting (with pool noodle steeds), trials, and catapulting a foam castle.

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 our Term Three Geography study, students visited Yeppoon to record cases of erosion along the beach, and discussed strategies to mitigate the effects that humans have on the environment.

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.

2021 has seen the 8s use their ‘mega-minds’ to engage in ‘mega-learning’.

Year 9 Maths

Throughout the year the year 9 Excel maths class has expanded their maths knowledge in different concepts. They studied binomials in term three and extended their knowledge further looking at proving how the formulas for expanding perfect squares and the difference of perfect squares work. Recently this term during probability the students conducted a number of experimental trials of rolling a dice to determine how many trials were needed for the experimental probability to match the theoretical probability. Extending on their learning of binomials and probability the students conducted a research task looking into Pascal’s Triangle and how it can constructed using binomial expansion and used in probability.

Miss Milde

Year 10 Science

Of all the things we thought we’d learn in EXCEL Science, guinea pig genetics was not one of them. We kicked off the year with riveting content on the organic bases of DNA, phylogenetic trees and cladograms. How fun!

Term 3 involved learning about chemical changes, ionic compounds, noble gases and naming polyatomic ions.

In Term 3 Physics, we found out Flynn was the fastest runner in our class – running 100m at a lightning fast 8.69m/s. Determining velocity in running races was a real ego boost for some, and a real ego annihilator for others. We experimented with collisions, forces and Newton’s Laws – we became quite familiar with the man by the end of term!

Term 4 was filled with cycles – the water cycle, carbon cycle, life cycle of stars…

Apparently, the universe grew to the size of a grapefruit three minutes after the Big Bang. Why scientists compared the universe to fruit, we’ll never know. At this point, we would just like to go on holidays. But, because we’re all very brave, we’ve soldiered on to learn of abiotic reservoirs, quasars, stellar formations and Hubble’s Law.

We would like to commend Ms Von Doom on all her hard work this year. Not only does she have a really cool last name, but she’s a really cool teacher.

By Will Cho and Mim Grice.

Creative Writing

Creative Writing has taken us to all parts of the world this year. We traversed the globe, vicariously, through our pen pal, Isabelle and reciprocated, via written letter, expounding the weird and wonderful country that is Australia. Our travels also took us all the way to the Rocky Sports Club where we sampled Asian cuisine – a veritable feast for the senses - and wrote a descriptive account of the experience.

Travelling is great but as we know, there’s no place like home! A trip to the Dreamtime Cultural Centre and Capricorn Equestrian proved to be the perfect remedy for homesickness and gave us the opportunity to experience our own diverse Australian culture. We were afforded the opportunity to hone our photographic skills by capturing shots of the Australian landscape, flora and fauna which was used a stimulus for a short story.

The Creative Writing course’s culminating activity is a transformative piece. This current task involves us working to our strengths by transforming a film text. Comic strips, reports, sculptures, short stories and dioramas are just a few of the interesting pieces we are creating.

Year 8 English

The year 8 English class have had a busy, but exciting year in 2021 with the four units they have covered. In their first unit, students read the play, Frankenstein, where they focussed on the perspectives shown in texts. The students enjoyed acting out the play as they read through it, and their assessment presentations where they got to act out their own monologues. In term two, students really enjoyed reading Jackie French’s narrative, Nanberry, because they learnt so much about the events of colonisation in Australia from a variety of perspectives which helped them to better understand many social issues that are still being faced in Australia today and where these stem from. Following on from this narrative unit, in term three, students got to write their own narrative text. From possible abductions, encountering near-death experiences, and trying to win against all odds, there were some very creative short stories that the students were able to produce for their assessment. After their assessment, they were able to design the front and back covers for their stories and this also was a great

success. We have some true up and coming authors and illustrators/artists! This term, students have been looking at news articles and how the authors cleverly use language, structural, and visual features to promote the representations of the particular groups or people that they are writing about. They also learnt about the importance of questioning the credibility of everything they read in the news because the use of social media, and ability for everyone’s opinions to be broadcast easily, makes it much easier for fake news to be shared. Some of the notable skills that students have appreciated learning include, learning how to carefully edit their own work, and giving feedback to others. Another highlight from this year has been the class meme competition, such as the one shown.

Miss Blanch and ENG082J

Year 10A Maths

The year 10 extension Maths class has had a very busy final term. The students have studied financial maths including applications and problem-solving using compound interest; modelled a reducing balance loan using Excel spreadsheets and written a report. Furthermore, they have studied linear inequalities including graphing, solving and determining solutions of a system of linear inequalities in practical applications. Finally, we have explored the features of polynomials including polynomial long division; determining the roots and y-intercepts of cubics and sketching the graphs.

Despite the extra load, students have embraced the work with great enthusiasm which has been a trademark of the group all year. It has been an absolute pleasure to teach such a dynamic and hard-working group of students.

Year 8 Maths

To start the term the year 8 EXCEL math class have been learning about transformations and congruence of shapes (specifically triangles). Their 4 weeks of study so far culminated with students completing a “Colour by number congruent triangles dinosaur” proudly displayed within the classroom. All students were commended for their understanding of the content, however Mr Kilpatrick fears some students may never have passed year 1 colouring in.

Year 9 English

This term, Year 9 Excel English students have been studying the jury room play, Twelve Angry Men. This has given students the perfect opportunity to engage in discussions about the justice system and the ethical implications of a jury of peers determining the fate of another. They have explored how prejudice and stereotyping can sometimes obscure the truth, as well as the notion of “beyond reasonable doubt.” To coincide with the unit work, Excel students have been independently researching civil and criminal cases of interest, creating a presentation to deliver to the class in Week 9. They will also be using their knowledge of court room procedures, as well as a little dramatic flair to carry out a mock trial. Who will be the defendant? Who will be the judge? Will the jury return a unanimous verdict? We shall have to wait and see.

Year 10 English

It has been a privilege to be the teacher with the Year 10 Excel class in 2021. These students are inquisitive, passionate, and often provide many alternative views on a subject. It has been exciting to watch their progress throughout the year and I look forward to seeing their thirst for knowledge and their creativity expand into the senior education path.

Mrs Brazier
Teacher

A few words by Georgia Bray Cramp

My favourite part of Extension English this year was doing an oral presentation on how Shakespeare is still relevant today. This is because it pushed me out of my comfort zone and presented me with a challenge.

The Hysteria of Extension English by Alexander Lobban

The Extension English class pushes pupils to their literary limits. From Shakespeare to Poe, feature articles to analytical Essays, all forms of English skills are developed din this class. I found the most enjoyable task was the persuasive speech unit, in which we were to present our arguments on the relevance of Shakespeare to a teen audience. This task prompted myself and many others to face their fear of public speaking, and since then I now have no issue making such speeches. This is symbolic of the effect this class has had on its students.

By William O’Shea

2021 English Excel has been a wonderful experience full of learning and fun, during Term 1, the class read `The Book Thief’, an enjoyable yet sad read, before writing short stories about the themes or issues presented in the book. Term 2 was when the class did an analysis of the play Othello and the oral and ethical issues involved. Term 3 was about poetry, in which people would analyse each one for the different messages. This term (Term 4) the class is analysing the movie `Ride like a Girl’ and the representations present in the movie.

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