APRIL 2020 - Woree State High School · A L I T Y S T A T E S H I G H C H O O L Woree State High School Newsletter ... to resume. Well done to our Junior Secondary Leaders who were

W O R E E

QUALITY AND EQUALIT

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TE HIGH SCHOOL

Woree State High School NewsletterAPRIL 2020

Woree Highlights

Woree State High School Rigg Street Woree QLD 4868 Ph 07 4081 5222 E [email protected] School Website www.woreeshs.eq.edu.au Newsletter Website www.wshsnewsletter.com.au2

PAGE PAGE

INDEX

FROM THE PRINCIPALPRINCIPAL’S REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 3

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENT SERVICESTERM 1 REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4

THE RESILIENCE PROJECT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6

JUNIOR SECONDARYYEAR 7 IMMUNISATION 2020� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER REPORTSYEAR 7 - 9 SSSO REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8

YEAR 10 SSSO REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10

YEAR 11 SSSO REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

YEAR 12 SSSO REPORT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 11

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES/THE ARTSSTAGE BAND � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12LUNCHTIME JAM SESSIONS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13

DRAMA IN THE CLASSROOM � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14

RESOURCE CENTRE/ITMEMBERSHIP STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENDLAND � � � � � � � � � � � � 15

SCHOOLTECHSUCCESS FOR A SCHOOLTECH STUDENT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17

SPORTSINTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY EVENT � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 18

SCIENCECOMBING LEARNING WITH ADVENTURE ON CAIRNS’ � � � � � � � � 20

THE WONDERS OF SCIENCE - FIELD OF GENETICS � � � � � � � � � � 21

HEROS IN THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22

YOUTH SUPPORT COORDINATORSKIDS HELPLINE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23

SCHOOL BASED POLICE OFFICERRIDING A BICYCLE TO SCHOOL � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 25

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECTWELCOME TO EALD � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26

ADMINISTRATION OFFICEA WORD FROM ADMIN � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27

WOREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITEVISIT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 29

SPECIAL EVENTSBUY SMART COMPETITION � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 30

Woree Highlights

Woree State High School Rigg Street Woree QLD 4868 Ph 07 4081 5222 E [email protected] School Website www.woreeshs.eq.edu.au Newsletter Website www.wshsnewsletter.com.au 3

PRINCIPAL’S REPORTDear Parents and Carers

Term 2 is rapidly drawing to a close and as I write my report your children are already at home and school staff are busily preparing for Term 2. Unfortunately COVID-19 has dominated most our communication and a good deal of our time for most of March. I am confident we are ready for Term 2, whether it turns out to be “business as usual” with our students able to return to school from Monday 20 April, or if the school remains partially or fully closed and we have to move to distance education delivery with our students all learning at home with you.

The days ahead may come with a degree of uncertainty and possible fear for our students as they adjust to social distancing and self-isolation requirement. It can be challenging for our teens not to be able to hang out with their friends like they usually do but now is the time to get a little creative with connecting online, which most of our young people are already very good at.

The amount of information people are receiving through the news and social media can be somewhat overwhelming at the moment and can impact our wellbeing negatively. It’s important for us to keep things in perspective and try to still find the good things in every day. Drawing on their learning from the Resilience Project and practicing GRATITUDE, EMPATHY AND MINDFULNESS each day will be very helpful for our students to maintain their mental health. If students are interested in this daily practice they could consider downloading the Resilience Project app: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/the-resilience-project-app/

One great thing that was able to occur without interruption this month was the Woree State High School Cross Country held

on 13 March. Woree students from Years 7-12 competed in our annual Inter-house Cross Country. It was a very warm day, so well done to all participants and staff involved in the event.

We hope that once school returns to normal operations we will be able to return to playing sport as part of our regular school life and our TCS, Peninsula and State Trials will be able to resume.

Well done to our Junior Secondary Leaders who were able to participate in their leadership forum on Monday 16 March, under the guidance of HOD Junior Secondary, Linda Jones and SSSO, Doug Ryan. We look forward to supporting you to bring some of the ideas you developed on the day into reality later in 2020.

Unfortunately, we were not able to conduct many excursions and other activities that had been planned for the last three weeks of the term, including our School Review that had

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Ms Kathryn Todd

Woree State High School Principal

Woree Highlights


been scheduled for Monday 30 March through to Thursday 2 April. The Review has been postponed and I hope when I write my next Newsletter, I will be able to tell you when it will be occurring and I once again invite parents and carers to participate in providing feedback to our Review Team. Stay tuned for more details in Term 2.

As the term draws to a close, I want to say thank you to the wonderful staff who have made my first term at the Great Woree High thoroughly enjoyable, and particularly their support as we faced the challenges of the last few week. Similarly, the students have made me feel welcome and the parents and carers I have been fortunate to meet and work with have also made my transition to a new school an easy experience.

I will be communicating with our school community during the second week of the school holidays to update you about our operating mode for Term 2. Please stay tuned to our Facebook page and your email for an update.

Take care and stay safe during our Easter vacation and I look forward to seeing you again in Term 2.

Regards

Kathryn Todd

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL STUDENT SERVICES

Term 1 ReportA huge thank you to all staff who has supported Alicia Smith in the role of Deputy Principal Student Services, whilst I enjoyed my long service leave, snow skiing slopes of Sun Peaks Ski Resort in Canada. Upon returning in Week 6, I was reminded of how very, very hot the weather had been. Thankfully, now we are experiencing cooler weather.

This year has been another milestone for the GREAT Woree High, with our student enrolment numbers exceeding 1000 students. This is a major achievement and a first in the 36 years of schooling. This could not have been achieved without the mammoth effort by a great deal of staff, not forgetting those awesome Office Admin ladies who take details and make enrolment appointment interviews and check paperwork, take monies, print off timetables, be the brunt of some parent/carers demands and more. I can attest to the fact, that there are more students in our school especially in the playground as I endeavour to ‘be out and about’ at both first and second breaks.

2020 also sees another milestone, with Year 7 - 9 students in their everyday Junior Secondary uniform (maroon polo) and the Year 10 - 12 students in their everyday Senior Secondary uniform (white polo). Students are easily identifiable for their schooling level at a glance. This year sees the whole school in the ‘new uniform style’, introduced when our current Year 12 students were the first cohort to begin High School in Year 7 in 2015.

We all know that everyone is totally dedicated to supporting, providing advice and encouragement to one another (staff and students) as evidenced in the Student Support Services System and members. The following personnel support this system:

Ms Susan McQuillian

Deputy Principal Student ServicesWoree State High School

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Student Support Services Team members

• Head Of Department Support 4 Students – Linda Saunders

• Responsible Behaviour Officer – Gabe Pasche

• Teacher Aide Support 4 Students- Sarina McInnes

• Community Education Counsellors – Robyn Phillips

• Guidance Officers - Liz Toth

• Chaplain (Chappy) – Nicola Ellery

• School Based Youth Health Nurse

• School Based Police Officer – Senior Constable Lauren Barron

• Youth Support Coordinators- Miss Emmi & Michelle Edwards

• Student Attendance Officers – Jacqui Bailey and Kasey McFarlane

• Out Of Home Care Teacher Aide –Ms Elizabeth

• Homework Centre Teacher Aide - Trudie Kempenaar

Student Support Services Officers

• Junior (Year 7 - 9) – Doug Ryan

• Year 10 – Jaynie Johnson

• Year 11 – Mark Stubbs

• Year 12 – Lyndsey Wray

Clontarf Academy staff - under the guidance of Drew Bartram and assisted by Deryk Gray, Dwayne Bosen, David Thompson, Shane Shields, Allan Chatfield and Robert Green

Administration Officer Student Services – Ellie Voltz

As we commence our Easter vacation, please take the time to consider and prepare for what learning at home may look like in a few weeks’ time for you and your family. You and your students are also dealing with significant changes, including disconnection from their friends, teachers, routines and school. The Student Support Services staff will be ‘checking in’ with students they would have had regular contact with on any given day. I remind you that, in the front section of each student planner are the email addresses of all our staff members. In addition, listed below are some valuable links, contact details for Cairns Support Services and 24 Hour Help Lines that you may wish to download to assist you and your students over the coming weeks.

I will finish with this thought – “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”

https://headspace.org.au/assets/Uploads/headspace-Fact-Sheet-Coping-with-COVID-19-Stress-v1.pdf

General Links• Woree High Online Research Portal http://woreeshs.

cmeweb.libcode.com.au/

Useful Links - COVID-19

• www.health.qld.gov.au

• www.facebook.com/

• QueenslandDepartmentofEducation

• www.facebook.com/QLDHealth

• qed.qld.gov.au

Cairns Support Services & 24 hour Help LinesPersonal Support

• Anglicare -Youth Support Program 4080 5800

Anglicare Food Bank - St. John’s Church Hall, Cnr Lake and Minnie Streets

A Centrelink Concession Card is required to get free bread, cakes and purchase from the low cost shop.

Free 2-course meals every Wednesday from 5pm. No concession card needed.

Open 10am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

• Cairns Hospital 4226 0000

• ICAN Financial Counselling 1300 369 878

• Lives Lived Well – Cairns Alcohol & Other Drugs Support Centre 4220 9881

• Queensland Health Mental Health Emergency – Acute Care Team 1300 642 255

• RAATSICC Family Support and Information (Cape and Torres) 1300 663 411

• Standby – Support after Suicide – FNQ 0407 490 005

• Wuchopperen Health Service (Indigenous Health) 6 Moignard Street 4080 1000

• YETI – Youth support and information 4051 4927

• Youthlink – Youth support and information 4031 6179

Woree Highlights


Resilence Project

Thanks for subscribing to The Resilience Project Schools Newsletter in 2020! Whether you’re part of the program for the first time, a returning educator, or an interested onlooker we look forward to sharing our newsletter with you throughout the year.

TRP would love to learn about what makes you happy, and share moments of gratitude with you and your students! The next time you see something you’re grateful for, something you’re happy to have… stop. Point to it. And say “DIS!”

Facebook: @resiliencep

Instagram: @resilienceproject

Email: [email protected]

RESILENCE PROJECT

Tenancy support and advice• Anglicare Homestay – Support for at risk

tenancies 0417 639 103• Cairns Homelessness Services Hub 149

Bunda Street 4046 8050• Lyons St Diversionary Centre 53 –

59 Lyons Street 4046 8082• Ozcare Homeless Hostel (Men) 197

Draper Street 1800 692 273• Ozcare Homestay – Support for at risk tenancies

1800 692 273• QSTARS – Advice and referral service for all

renters 1300 744 263• Quigley Street Night Shelter 6 – 8

Quigley Street 4046 8092• Salvation Army Centennial Lodge 281 –

289 Sheridan Street 4031 4432

Phone advice• 13HEALTH (Confidential Health Advice 24/7

13 43 25• Beyond Blue

1300 224 636• Domestic Violence Hotline (DV Connect)

1800 811 811• Gambling Helpline

1800 858 858• Kid’s Help Line

1800 551 800• Lifeline Telephone Counselling

13 11 14• Mensline Australia

1300 789 978• Mensline DV Connect Queensland

1800 600 636• Parentline

1300 301 300• Relationships Australia Support and Information

1300 364 277

Woree Highlights


Year 7 Immunisations 2020

Round 1 of Year 7 Immunisations took place on Wednesday 26 March. During the current environment it was great to see the students who did stay at school and received their immunisations. EVERY Year 7 student received a welcome pack of information in the first two weeks of school, which included a large envelope for immunisations. Students were reminded every week to return the forms. Unfortunately, this year was the lowest return of forms – less than 50%.

In this current health crisis, it is very evident and obvious just how important it is to take up the opportunity of the lifelong immunisation program offered by the government free of charge to parents/carers. Many of the diseases have returned to countries around the world because of the lack of immunising children.

CATCHUP ClinicsQld Health advised yesterday they will communicate with parents/carers of children who were NOT at school or have not returned forms this year. A number of new forms were sent home yesterday – please fill them out and return to school at the next available opportunity. A catch-up clinic will be held in JULY here at school OR alternatively you can see your GP.

Please help stamp out childhood diseases and immunise your child.

STUDY SKILLS TIPS FOR REMOTE LEARNING AT HOMEhttp://www.studyskillshandbook.com.au/

inside/remotehomelearning.php

login: woreeshs

password: s4success

LINK FOR PARENTS FOR WEBINAR ON PARENTING STUDENTS IN THIS NEW ENVIRONMENTI have been invited to participate in a fundraiser for Women’s Community Shelters. Domestic violence rates rise in times of challenge and the shelters can’t do their normal fundraising events. So four speakers have been asked to donate their time to a webinar parents can pay to access with all proceeds going to the shelters. We would love if you would share the link with your parents:

Circles of Support Webinar

Parenting Through COVID-19

https://commonsenseparenting.com.au

/p/circlesofsupport

Tuesday 2nd April 8pm (NSW time) for the live webinar or sign up to watch the replay.

Linda Jones

HOD Junior Secondary

JUNIOR SECONDARY

Linda JonesHOD Junior SecondaryPh: 4081 5222 ext 217E: [email protected]

Woree Highlights


STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES OFFICER REPORTS

Year 7 - 9 Student Support Services Officer Report Year 7

Our very large cohort of Year 7 students have reached the end of Term 1. The largest cohort in the school, started the year off tremendously well with the best overall attendance for any of our Junior year levels.

This term has seen our annual swimming carnival and cross country, as well as many other sporting events such as TCS Rugby League, Karen Murphy Cup netball and multiple sporting events between CLONTARF Academies.

Unfortunately, our Rewards Day in Week 10 had to be postponed, so the Year 7 students on Good Standing will have to wait until next term to go Ten Pin bowling at the Go Bowling Centre in Manoora.

Have a safe and happy Easter break, be smart with hygiene and social distancing to stay healthy!

Year 8

Here at the Great Woree State High School, we are at the end of what has been, a very busy Term 1 for 2020. This term has seen our annual swimming carnival and cross country, as well as many other sporting events such as TCS Rugby League, Karen Murphy Cup netball and multiple sporting events between CLONTARF Academies.

Unfortunately, our Rewards Day in Week 10 had to be postponed, so the Year 8 students on Good Standing will have to wait until Term 2 to go to the Event Cinemas in Stocklands to watch a film and eat at the downstairs Food Court.


Year 9

Term 1, 2020, has been a very busy start to the year for our Year 9s at the Great Woree State High School. This term has seen our annual swimming carnival and cross country, as well as many other sporting events such as TCS Rugby League, Karen Murphy Cup netball and multiple sporting events between CLONTARF Academies.

Our Year 9 students need to start thinking about what subjects they are going to select as they head into Senior School in 2021. Students need to ensure they are on top of their work load so they can achieve the highest possible marks moving into their Senior years. Next term, there will be forums held for our Year 9 students so that they can begin to understand what choices they have in terms of subject selections for next year.

Unfortunately, our Rewards Day in Week 10, had to be postponed, so the Year 10 students on Good Standing, will have to wait until Term 2 to go to the Event Cinemas in Stocklands to watch a film and eat at the downstairs Food Court.


Junior Leadership Forum

On Monday 16 March, we held our Junior Leadership Forum for our Year 7, 8 and 9 Student Council representatives. From 9:00am-3:00pm, these students participated in a workshop that taught them about what it means to be a leader, self-image and presentation, resiliency and criticism, public speaking and the expectations of being a leader here at Woree State High School. For lunch and afternoon tea, the students were lucky enough to be treated to a free meal provided by our tuckshop.

Throughout the forum, the students participated in team building activities that challenged their abilities to work within a team and taught them how to overcome some issues that typically arise when working within a group.

The students were lucky enough to listen to a presentation from three guest speakers about their roles as leaders in our community, these three people were:

Ty Williams – Coach of the Northern Pride and previous North Queensland Cowboys player

Tony Williamson – Chief Executive Officer for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation

Ralph Smither – Regional Manager of the Queensland Country Credit Union

All three community leaders shared some very valuable insights into their lives as leaders in their professions. Many thanks to them for spending an hour out of their day with us.

At the end of the day the students had to prepare and deliver a short speech to their peers that demonstrated what they had learnt on the day, what goals they want to achieve as a leader and their aspirations for the future.

Mr Doug RyanSSSO Junior Secondary Ph: 4081 5222 ext 331E: [email protected]

Woree Highlights


Woree Highlights


Year 10 Student Support Services Officer Report Year 10 Report

Term 1 has come to a rapid end, and what a term it has been. No one could have predicted the reality that the world is now facing with the COVID-19 virus or the impact it would and will have. In saying this, I am elated and very proud of the way the Year 10s have handled this term and this diversity. They have shown resilience in a way that is far beyond their years and that is something as a school, parent and teacher we should all be proud of them for. Over the last nine weeks, I have had the opportunity to meet up with many more Year 10 students and learn about who they are as people. In this time of uncertainty, I believe it is imperative we focus on the positives that these young people are achieving. The members of the Year 10 Student Council have shown great leadership in their new roles within the Senior school. I would like to congratulate Shaileena for delivering a speech to her fellow peers, at parade, in her new role as Student Council Representative for her Year 10 Form class.

I would also like to extend that congratulations to all of the Year 10 Student Council representatives for this year and look forward to seeing them grow into potential Senior Leaders of the school.

Next term will be a trying term with the unknown being thrust upon us, but I am certain and very confident that the resilient, strong and charismatic Year 10s will gracefully find strength to face any challenges or obstacles that come their way. We are the great Woree High.

Ms Jaynie JohnsonSSSO Year 10Ph: 4081 5222 ext 247E: [email protected]

Woree Highlights


Year 11 Student Support Services Officer Report Dear Year 11 parents/carers and students of the Great Woree State High School

The school year of 2020 has started with enthusiasm and excitement. Students have been regularly informed about a variety of subjects, certificate courses and ATAR and other pathways for many months now and the exciting journey begins as of 2020!

We have had many great discussions regarding a ‘theme’ for our 2020 cohort and some further discussions regarding opportunities for the year and integral concepts for 2021! Many students have requested and volunteered to be part of these discussion groups and we have had some valuable discussions and feedback already. I’d like to thank these students for their assistance and support.

As SSSO for the Year 11 cohort, I am excited and proud of the way the Year 11 students have taken the lead, in terms of role models for our Junior Students and making informed decisions about their learning whilst at the Great Woree State High School. Thank you to all parents and carers for your valuable support of your students and the school. Together we are making a profound difference.

Regards

Mark Stubbs

Mark Stubbs, Year 12 SSSO

Year 12 Student Support Services Officer Report Term 1 Report

A huge congratulations to the 2020 Woree State High School Year 12 students and School Leaders who crossed our stage on Thursday 27 February, to accept their leadership badges and take the leadership pledge. Our School Captains, President of the School Council, House Captains, Band Captain and Student Council looked resplendent in their Woree State High School uniforms and displayed our school values proudly. The School Captains also represented the Great Woree High at various Leadership induction ceremonies around Cairns, including Bentley Park College, Saint Mary’s Catholic College and Woree State Primary School. Some of our leaders are Woree State Primary School alumni and thoroughly enjoyed returning to their old stomping grounds to witness the induction of emerging leaders our community has to offer.

A school event such as this, would not be as successful without the excellent support of our School Band. Thank you to the Band Director, Jen Fengler, and the members of the School Band for their up lifting performance.

Senior polos and jackets have been open for orders over the past few weeks. These will close by the end of Term 1. The Year 12s are so excited for these to arrive and will look fantastic walking around the school grounds in their 2020 polos.

Where did Term 1 go? As we gear up for the school holidays, especially in this uncertain time, Seniors, please enjoy your holidays and appreciate some quieter moments at home with your family.

Lyndsey Wray

Ms Lyndsey WraySSSO Year 12Ph: 4081 5222 ext 245E: [email protected]

Woree Highlights


DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES / THE ARTS

The fifteen members of Woree State High School’s Stage Band begun the year rehearsing several pieces in readiness for their first performance of the year. On 27 February, Senior Student Induction was held in our school shelter and the Stage Band showed their support by performing three pieces. These were Tequila, Respect and Tuxedo Junction. Students in the Stage Band commit themselves to rehearse Thursday mornings before school begins and the Marching Band students have also been rehearsing after school.

Unfortunately all rehearsals and instrumental lessons have been suspended, however, the Department is currently working to deliver instrumental music lessons online using a virtual classroom. Virtual classes will be available soon and students will be notified by email once this exciting project begins.

It is vital that students continue to practice in the interim using their method books.

Jen Fengler

Band Coordinator

Stage Band

Woree Highlights


Students in the classroom music program have been building their music literacy skills and applying this knowledge to the guitar and piano. Many students have been coming to the music room at lunch breaks to complete extra practice to build their skills as musicians and play music together.

Matthew Coxon

Music Teacher

Lunchtime Jam Sessions

Woree Highlights


Senior Drama students have just completed their first piece of assessment for the year. Displaying their talent, students performed a modern take on the classic Absurdist Theatre play, Waiting for Godot, which explores the purpose of our existence. Student interpretations of the play were engaging to watch and all should be commended on the results of their hard work.

Teresa Solly

Drama Teacher

Drama in the Classroom

Woree Highlights


Did you know that if you are a member of the State Library of Queensland you can have access to the following?

Databases

eBooks

com, their e-learning platform (https://www.slq.qld.gov.au/research-collections/information-collections/eresources/lyndacom ). Lynda.com provides access to over 13 000 courses (including ones on Microsoft products such as Excel and One Note).

Kanopy, their film database with over 30 000 of the world’s best films

Boost your resume, improve your marks with journal access, read an ebook, watch a film simply by signing up for free (https://patron.slq.qld.gov.au/Register)

RESOURCE CENTRE / ITMEMBERSHIP TO THE STATE LIBRARY OF QUEENSLAND

Ms Larraine MoseleyTeacher/Librarian

Woree Highlights


Woree Highlights


Congratulations to Nikita, as she has recently secured a School Based Apprenticeship with Cairns Service Centre.

Nikita has been signed in Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Nikita shows great commitment to her chosen trade, which has seen her rewarded with a School Based Apprenticeship.

Nikita is a Year 12 SchoolTech student who has been completing work experience with this company since she started Year 11. Nikita has worked on some great projects in the workplace. She has pulled engines out of cars then stripped and cleaned them, repaired gearboxes and her next project will be refitting an engine back into a car. She has also gained experience in sanding and spray painting a forklift. We look forward to watching Nikita progress in her career. Well done Nikita!!!

Carmel Iivonen

HOD, SchoolTech

SCHOOLTECHSUCCESS FOR A SCHOOLTECH STUDENT

Mrs Carmel IivonenHOD SchoolTechPh: 4042 2590E: [email protected]

Woree Highlights


On Friday 13 March, Woree State High School students from Years 7 – 12 competed in our annual Inter-House Cross Country event. The course (around the school grounds), was 3km in length for the Juniors and a gruelling 5km for the Seniors. On the day, all houses showed great commitment in participating and supporting other competitors. Well done to each student who participated and had fun. Thank you to all the teachers and helpers on the day and congratulations to Apollo House, our 2020 Inter-house Cross Country champions!

SPORTS

Mr Jared AllenSports Coordinator

INTER-HOUSE CROSS COUNTRY EVENT

Woree Highlights


Woree Highlights


On 18 March, our Year 11 Aquatics class spent the day at Holloway’s Beach. On arrival, we were separated into groups and assigned to our boats. Once out on the water, we cruised alongside the mangroves sightseeing whilst learning how to identify the different species and the importance they play on the world’s environment.

Mangroves are the filters of the sea, and a nursery haven for the majority of all sea creatures. We then began testing the water at the start of the inlet for Nitrates, Phosphates, Ammonia, dissolved Oxygen, temperatures on the surface and below, pH and salinity. We took readings at three different spots at Thomatis Creek, Barron River Junction and Machans Beach. We recorded results and took important notes from each testing. Notes included the amount of erosion present in surrounding areas and the number and species of flora and fauna within the surrounding test area site. We then had the opportunity to catch and release fish using casting nets, and again we wrote down all the different things we saw. It was good for fish identification and to see how many fish could be found within a small area. We then cruised up past the airport and along the mangroves looking for crocodiles and other wildlife then stopped for lunch.

After lunch, we placed crab pots down along the side of the mangroves, hoping that we would catch mud crabs. After waiting an hour, we went back to check on the bounty of our crab pots…unfortunately we did not catch anything, but it was an amazing experience!

Overall it was an enjoyable, memorable and exciting experience, where we learnt about the importance of and ways to maintain good water quality in both salt and fresh water environments.

Megan W

(Year 11 student)

SCIENCE

Combining Learning with Adventure on Cairns’ Waterways

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Bronwyn Smithies, a young scientist, visited the Year 10 Science class and discussed the research she is doing in genetics for her doctorate. She is currently investigating how plants can be utilised as genetic factories that can synthesise circular molecular chain that contain medicines that need to be delivered to human systems. The circular nature of the molecules (similar to peptides) can more effectively deliver and circumvent the rigors of enzyme action in the digestive system and in so doing more effectively deliver medicines. She also related to the students the diverse and interesting pathway that had led to her current position. Bronwyn’s research work has taken her to locations both overseas and throughout Australia.

Her presentation was inspirational and provided very positive perspectives on pathways students doing science could expect to encounter.

STEAM Teacher

The Wonders of Science - Field of Genetics

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Woree State High School Rigg Street Woree QLD 4868 Ph 07 4081 5222 E [email protected] School Website www.woreeshs.eq.edu.au Newsletter Website www.wshsnewsletter.com.au

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Thanks to Alice, one of Woree State High School’s wonderful teacher aides’, our school staff and staffrooms have been provided with a supply of hand sanitiser. Alice had an idea and approached our Science Operations Officer, Rhyannon, to ask if it was possible that she could produce some. Rhyannon donned her lab coat and researched the recipe that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends for creating a homemade sanitiser, and over the course of the next week Rhyannon brewed a massive ten litres. Alice then delivered it to the appreciative staff, with many requiring top-ups towards the end of the week. Obtaining the ingredients was a challenge, however, Whole Life Pharmacy in Pease Street, showed their support to the school by sourcing what was needed and kindly donated a further three litres of hand sanitiser to the school.

This is another example of the creative thinking of staff of the Great Woree High.

Excellent teamwork Alice and Rhyannon, everyone really appreciates your efforts in keeping our staff safe.

The Editor

Heroes in the Science Department

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Woree Highlights


YOUTH SUPPORT COORDINATORSKIDS HELPLINE

After the success of “Kids Helpline”, 2019 competition, ‘One Video, Sixty Seconds” – What is a challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?” Kids Helpline has recently launched a new video, starring 2019 Woree State High School Year 12 students, Amariah, Theleigha and Tayler H. These three students report on how they overcame challenges in their lives through friendship, community and music.

To watch this moving video of the girls personal stories please follow the link below.

https://kidshelpline.com.au/homepage

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Woree Highlights


Health and Wellbeing: Some helpful websites:

Office of the ESafety Commission https://esafety.gov.au/

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au

Headspace Cairns https://www.headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/cairns/

Eheadspace https://eheadspace.org.au/

Kids Helpline kidshelpline.com.au 1800 55 1800

Bullying No Way! bullyingnoway.gov.au/

Lifeline 13 11 14

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Woree Highlights


If your child is going to ride a bike to school, police urge you to:

• Wear a helmet

• Lock your bike

• Record your serial number, make, model and a take photograph of your bike

If your bike is stolen, please report it to police regardless of the value. Call Policelink, Ph 131 444.

To make things easier, police and Neighbourhood Watch have developed the bike identification card.

SCHOOL BASED POLICE OFFICERRIDING A BICYCLE TO SCHOOL

Senior Constable Lauren Barron, School Based Police Officer

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The role of the EALD Teacher at Woree State High School is to regularly monitor and work with class teachers to support a range of students whose home language is not English. The EALD Teacher seeks to engage with and support those students who may be experiencing difficulties with the English demands of the curriculum.

The EALD Teacher will be at Woree State High School Monday afternoon and all day Thursday, located in C block attached to Learning Support Office. Please feel free to contact the EALD Teacher directly should you have any concerns, queries or requests.

Ph: 4081 5222 ext 302

ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECTWELCOME TO EALD

HOMEWORK CLUB

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Important InformationEarly Departures – If your student needs to leave school early during the school day for an appointment a note needs to be brought to the school, alternatively you can use the yellow absence note in the back of the student planner. Students must come to the office to sign out before leaving the school grounds. There is an increasing number of parents/carers ringing the school wanting to sign their student out immediately with no notice.

Student Illness – Students need to advise their class teacher if unwell and present themselves to sick bay so a parent/carer can be notified. Students are not to call parents directly to collect them without first notifying sick bay.

Concerns and Complaints – Parents/carers are encouraged to discuss classroom issues/concerns with the class teacher first. If the issue is unable to be resolved, parents/carers are encouraged to make an appointment with either the subject Head of Department, Year Level Coordinators, Responsible Behaviour Officer or Deputy Principal Student Services to discuss the matter further.

Student AbsencesStudent absences are monitored regularly. It is the parent/carers responsibility to ensure all student absences are explained. This can be communicated by:SMS 0417 478 925 Absentee line 4081 5260

Are your contact details up-to-date?

Communication between parents/carers and Woree State High School staff relies on your contact details/postal address, home/work/mobile phone numbers and email addresses) being up to date.

If you have changed your postal address, phone number/s, email address or emergency contact people recently, please contact the Administration Office as soon as possible to update your details.

Electronic Sign

Please continue to watch out for important news and messages on our electronic notice board at the front of the school. The sign is a valuable asset to our school for advertising and communicating a variety of messages to our students, parents/carers and the wider school community.

School Zone Awareness

Please ensure that School Zone speed limits are observed during student drop-off and pick-up times.

TuckshopVolunteers needed

If you would like to volunteer any of your spare time to help out in the Tuckshop, please don’t hesitate to come in and see Mike Janse at the Tuckshop. Mike is always looking for assistance to help prepare foods for the lunchtime rushes as well as special school events.

Important Times and Dates

Woree State High School Office Opening Hours 2020

Administration Office

8:00 am – 4.00pm (Mon, Tues, Thu) 8:00am – 3:30pm (Wed, Fri)

Diverse Learning Faculty Administration

8:30am – 4:00pm (Mon-Thu) 8:30am – 3.30pm (Friday)

P&C Uniform Shop 8:00am – 9:00am (Thursday)

Queensland School Term Dates 2020

Term Dates Length

1 Tues 28 January – Fri 3 AprilPublic Holidays 10, 13 April – Easter

10 weeks

2 Mon 20 April – Friday 26 JunePublic HolidaysSat 25 April – ANZAC DayMonday 4 May – Labour Day

10 weeks

3 Mon 13 July – Fri 18 SeptStudent Free DayFriday 4 September

10 weeks

4 Tues 6 Oct – Friday 11 DecPublic HolidaysMonday 5 October – Queens Birthday

10 weeks

Finishing Dates for 2020

Year 12 Friday 20 November

Year 10 and Year 11 Friday 27 November

Year 7-9 Friday 11 December

ADMINISTRATION OFFICEA WORD FROM ADMIN

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Woree State High School Bell Times

Uniform Shop

We are a uniform school as determined by the P&C Association.

The image we present to our community is important to maintain the positive reputation of which we are so proud. At all times, students are required to wear appropriate footwear (closed in shoes). In the event a student is unable to wear their uniform, a note from the parent/guardian is required.

The Uniform Shop is open every Thurs between 8:00 – 9:00 am.

EFTPOS is available for all purchases.

A limited range of second-hand uniforms are available for purchase. Any donations of good quality used uniforms are welcomed.

/VOLUMES/DATA/CLIENTS/WOREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL/CAMPAIGNS/NEWSLETTERS/WSHS-DECEMBER2019-PRINT/DECEMBER 2019 NEWSLETTER/LINKS/WOREE SHS LOGO COL.AI

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Visit our School Website or Facebook with the address below:

www.woreeshs.eq.edu.auwww.facebook.com/WoreeSHS

WOREE STATE HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK LINKVISIT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE

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SPECIAL EVENTS

Looking for activities over the school holidays to keep the kids busy? Encourage them to get creative and enter the Buy Smart Competition to be in the running for a share in over $15,000 in prizes.

Students in Years 4 -12 are invited to enter by making their own project explaining a consumer issue and to give advice on that topic. Past entries to the competition have included board games, posters, magazines, clothing, social media accounts and even music videos.

Entries are open until 5pm, Friday 18 September 2020. But it’s never too early to get started.

Find out more at Buy Smart Competition

Buy Smart Competition

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Documents

APRIL 2020 - Woree State High School · A L I T Y S T A T E S H I G H C H O O L Woree State High School Newsletter ... to resume. Well done to our Junior Secondary Leaders who were