2 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Power Outage

Last Thursday, our school experienced an unexpected power outage at 7:30am which had far -reaching effects (including no phones, intercom, lighting, computers, air conditioners and food preparation in the canteen).

We were advised that the issue was significant and would take the day to rectify, so we had no option but to send our students home. Power was reconnected after 2pm. Our staff worked quickly to ensure that everyone was safe and secure and students exit with permission closely supervised.

Students and parents are to be commended for their calm and responsive handling of the situation and I apologise sincerely for any inconvenience caused by the outage.

Moving forward, we’re working hard to minimize any potential disruption from similar situations in the future. New switches are being ordered and installed at significant expense. Thank you for understanding and being part of our wonderful school community.

Facilities Update

Our $3.8m Aquaculture facility is on track for May completion!

Report Cards

Students are approaching their final pieces of assessment. Interim report cards on a 15-point scale will be issued early in the new term.

Kirsten Dwyer
Principal

Date Claimers - 2023

These dates are subject to change. To stay up to date with what is happening around the school follow us on our Facebook page.

Senior Schooling

Senior Schooling Program 2023

Students in the senior phase of learning have had a good start to the year as they work towards the attainment of 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). Regardless of their academic pathway, senior students are expected to fully participate in the learning and support programs provided by the school.

Several initiatives have been developed to assist students achieve the goal of ‘earning or learning’ after Year 10. Rockhampton State High School students from Years 10 to 12 will work with the “Widening Participation” team from CQUniversity to ensure they are fully aware of their post-school options. They will also be invited to attend the Mega Careers Expo on 18 May. Year 12 students also have the opportunity to participate in CQU University Experience on 3 March where they will experience the life of a university student for a day.

Year 11 students completed a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) last year 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.

Year 10 students have commenced the Short Course in Career Education. This Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) course will contribute towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and prepare them for making decisions about post-school pathways including subjects, careers and courses.

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.

Currently, Rockhampton State High School boasts over 15 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 70 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 The Smith Family (Growing Careers), Queensland universities, the Australian Defence Force and other local 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 2023.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Alyssa is a Future Changemaker

Year 12 student, Alyssa Promnitz, recently participated in the University of Queensland “Young ChangeMakers” program at their St Lucia campus. The 4-day academic extension and enrichment program is designed to encourage school students with big ideas and ambitions to become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of tomorrow.

During the program, Alyssa networked with students who share similar interests from around the state. One of Alyssa’s favourite study areas is Physics and she really enjoyed talking to students who share her passion.

Working with UQ staff and student mentors, Alyssa got a sneak peek into what university life at UQ would be like. Some activities included a biotechnology challenge, won by Alyssa’s team and a gala dinner dance. Alyssa enjoyed the opportunity to talk to university mentors about her career aspirations. On completion of university, Alyssa hopes to study Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) leading to a rewarding career in research and Physics.

Alyssa encourages any student with an interest in further study to consider the next UQ Young ChangeMakers program.

Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Phelan Family Law Supports Legal Studies Top Student

Phelan Family Law are supporters of Legal Studies students at Rockhampton State High School through a bursary for the top Year 12 Legal Studies student. The 2022 recipient was Caige Dahler.

Former Rockhampton State High School student, Ashlee Barnett, is a paralegal at Phelan Family Law and was on hand to present the award to Caige at the school’s recent award ceremony. Ashlee graduated from Rockhampton State High School in 2017 and achieved very high results in Legal Studies. Ashlee will complete her law degree this year.

Caige has been accepted to study a Bachelor of Government and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Courtney Takes to the Sky

In 2022, when Courtney Masefield was nearing the end of year 12, she decided that she loved flying in planes so much that she wanted to make it a career.

In August, with the help of the FEET First staff, Courtney enrolled in the Cabin Crew Essential Course through Aviation Australia and was due to attend the face-to-face course in Brisbane, in November.

The three-week long course consisted of activities that allowed Courtney to gain the confidence, skills, and inside-knowledge that has put her a step ahead of the rest through the recruitment process and ground school training.

Courtney received her Certificate of Completion and was awarded with a Certificate of Excellence and as a result, was offered a position with Jetstar Airlines and is due to start official training mid-year.

Ellinah Dallow
FEET First Program Coordinator

Sebastian Counts His Lucky Stars

Late last year, a local accounting firm, Advisory Partner, contacted the FEET First team as they were looking to take on a school-based accounting trainee. They requested a student who was interested in a career in accounting and was studying Accounting as a subject.

Sebastian Russell expressed interest and his decision was supported by his teacher, Mrs Rachel Birkbeck, due to his exceptional results in Year 11 Accounting and his future plans to study Accounting at university after year 12.

Sebastian commenced a school-based traineeship with Advisory Partner in January 2023. He is now working towards a Certificate III in Accounts Administration and reports that he enjoys his one day in the workplace learning the role of an Accountant.

Rockhampton State High School values our connections with industry and encourages other employers to contact me on 49204391 or edall32eq.edu.au about creating a partnership.

Ellinah Dallow
FEET First Program Coordinator

FEET First Program 2023

In 2023, 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 (Monday 11th - Friday 15th September 2023)

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 in Term 2.

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 27 March 2023 - One day Construction Induction Safety course.
• RSA - Tuesday 20 June 2023 - One day Responsible Service of Alcohol course.
• RGS – Thursday 22 June 2023 - One day Responsible Gaming Service course.
• First Aid Course – Wednesday 13 September 2023
• 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 other external providers. 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 or Tourism– College Australia
• Cert II in Hospitality – 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 Dallow
FEET First Program Co-ordinator

Maths Matters

Fraction flowers.

Last week, Miss Milde’s year 7 Maths class enjoyed a hands-on activity to consolidate their understanding of equivalent fractions. The use of hands-on activities can assist students to develop a deeper understanding of abstract concepts and also help retain information to use in future learning.

Let’s talk rubbish!

The year 11 Essential Maths students are in the process of investigating the amount of rubbish students are generating each day in the playground. This is part of their first assessment task which requires them to write a report for the Student Representative Council (SRC) based on rubbish generated and also the potential earnings for the SRC from the Containers for Change scheme. Students welcomed Kelly Smith, Senior Education Officer with the Rockhampton Regional Council, to take them through the process of a rubbish audit. Ms Kelly conducted an audit with each class and also gave a very informative presentation about the RRC waste processing and recycling.

NAPLAN Online

Term 1 – 15 to 27 March 2023

Please contact Amanda O’Beirne, HOD Student Support (4920 4333) if you have further questions.

The following sites provide information for parents and carers:

Legal Studies Students Strengthen Their Knowledge of Parliament

The Honourable Michelle Landry, federal member for Capricornia, spent time with our Year 12 Legal Studies students to strengthen their understanding of governance in Australia – the Unit 3 syllabus topic.

Ms Landry shared her motivation to become a politician as well as how she fulfils her role representing the citizens of our region including past and future priorities. She also explained the celebrations and challenges she has faced over the last 10 years in the role.

In relation to the curriculum, Ms Landry and the students discussed the difference between the federal and Queensland parliamentary system including Queensland’s unique one house (unicameral) system as opposed to the bicameral system of which Ms Landry is a representative. The students questioned Ms Landry on significant constitutional matters such as Section 44 and the proposed voice to parliament.

Ms Landry and her media officer (former RSHS Legal Studies student, Lauren Clein) were impressed by the students, commenting that they were a credit to the school and their parents/carers and that their questions were mature and insightful.

Rockhampton State High School sincerely thanks Ms Landry and Mrs Clein for taking the time to visit the class.

Trudy Crow
Legal Studies teacher

Personal Technology Policy

Bringing personal technology devices to school is not encouraged by the school because of the potential for theft and general distraction and/or disruption associated with them. However, if they are brought to school, they must be turned off and out of sight at ALL times. A phone is located at Student Services for students to contact parents/guardians if necessary.

Students who fail to comply with this policy will be required to hand their phone or device in to Student Services. By the third occasion of each term we would ask that a parent/guardian collect the item. A fourth breach may result in a school disciplinary absence.

Devices potentially containing evidence of criminal offences may be reported to the police. In such cases police may take possession of such devise for investigation purposes and students and parents will be advised to contact Qld Police Service (QPS) directly.

Swimming Carnival

On Friday 24 February, Rockhampton State High School held their annual Inter-house swimming carnival at the Southside pool. It was one of our largest turnout of students in recent years. 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.

The Swimming Age Champions for 2023 are:-

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!

Tom Lorette
HPE Teacher

Sports

Theo Dyer has been invited to the USYD Indigenous U16s 7s camp to be held at the University of Sydney from 3rd to the 4th of March, 2023. Theo is one of only 35 boys from across Australia to attend a Discovery Day at University of Sydney. Theo will play in the Under 16 Ella 7s competition. The team will assemble in Sydney on Thursday evening the 2nd of March. The final game will be Saturday afternoon the 4th of March. Pictured here with Theo is our Rockhampton State High School CEC, Stacey Chamberlain.

Rugby League

The 2023 interschool rugby league season will be played across Terms 2 and 3.

The girls’ interschool season will be played in Term 2. RHS has plans to enter three teams – 7/8, 9/10 and Opens. Training will be on Tuesday afternoons and games will be played on Wednesday afternoons and evenings.

Girls who have not yet nominated should contact Mrs Findlater (F Wing Staffroom).

The boys will begin their season in the middle of Term 2 when they will take part in Dolphins NRL Challenge competitions. The Rockhampton District boys interschool season will be played in Term 3. Training will be held after school on Monday or Tuesday afternoons. Games will be played on Wednesday afternoons (7s, 8s and 9s) or on Friday nights (10s and Opens).

Nominations for boys will commence early in Term 2.

Robert Brodie
Teacher

Contact Details

All families are encouraged to contact the school to update their current contact details, including telephone numbers, email addresses and emergency contacts. Please consider taking a few minutes to check that your details are current and up to date on our system. An Update Contact Details form is available from Administration.

Tuckshop Reminder

Please remember to update your child’s year level on the QKR! App when you pre-order their food.

Purchases can also be made in person with cash or card only (not using mobile phones/smart watches)

Please find below information on how to download and use the app.

Payment Information

You are able to add up to five (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 4920 4333.

Uniform Shop

The school uniform is sold through the Rockhampton High School Uniform Shop. The Uniform Shop is located in the Admin Services Building (next to First Aid). The Uniform Shop is operated by the P&C Association with all profits returned to the school.

The Uniform Shop opens every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15am to 9:15am. For your convenience a variety of payment options are available such as cash, EFTPOS and online orders via Qkr! App.

Uniform Price List

Day Wear (Unisex)

Formal Uniform

RQ Youth Art Awards

Young people 12 – 25 years are encouraged to ender 2D piece abut what “home” means to them.

The 30 finalists will be displayed at the Rockhampton Southside Library from 15th June – 15th July.

Over $5000 in prizes and prize money to be won.

A massive thank you to the Capricornian, Johnson’s 4WD Mechanical and The Real group for your sponsorship.

Key dates, T&C’s can be found on the website.

Nikita Horvat
Youth and Community Engagement Officer
Monday/Tuesday/ Wednesday/ Thursday
headspace Rockhampton

T 07 4911 6040 M 0437766428
A 155A Alma Street, Rockhampton, 4700 headspace.org.au

2023 Term Dates

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