WOREE

HIGHLIGHTSISSUE 7, Sept-Oct 2011

Above: Names suppressed for the web- look forward to the screen-ing of ‘Jindabyne’ courtesy of Birch Carroll and Coyle City Cinema.

Georgina BreeuwerBEACON FOUNDATION

Kula ManukaCOMMUNITY LIAISON

COORDINATOR

Oliver VossCAPTA GROUP OF

COMPANIES

IMPORTANT DATES

OCTOBER 26-28• ATSI Studies Camp

OCTOBER 27-28• Year 11 Biology Excursion

NOVEMBER 1• 10 KFC Excursion

NOVEMBER 2-4• Year 9 Science Excursion and Camp

NOVEMBER 3• PRESENTATION EVENING 6:30pm Civic Theatre

NOVEMBER 4• Year 11 Hospitality TAFE Excursion

NOVEMBER 9• Year 10 CCAT Buffet Lunch

Function

NOVEMBER 10• Year 11 Hospitality Lunch Assessment

NOVEMBER 14-18• Year 12 – Last Week Activities

NOVEMBER 16• Year 12 Formal/Graduation

NOVEMBER 17• SchoolTech Year 12 Formal/Graduation

NOVEMBER 18• SchoolTech Last Day- Breakfast

• Year 12 Last Day- Breakfast/Formal Assembly• SEP Sleepover

NOVEMBER 21• P & C Meeting

NOVEMBER 21-24• Year 11 Block Exams

NOVEMBER 25• Year 10 & 11’s Final Day

NOVEMBER 28• P & C Meeting

NOVEMBER 30- DECEMBER 1• Yaizu Cheou High School 150 students ALL DAY

DECEMBER 5-9• Year 8 & 9 Alternative Program

DECEMBER 7• Year 7 Transition Day

DECEMBER 9• Last day of school for 2011

SCHOOL RESUMES FOR ALL STUDENTS23 JANUARY, 2012.

CONTACT US:

Woree State High School

Phone: 4081 5222

Fax: 4081 5200

Student Absences: 4081 5260

Office Hours: 8.00am-4.00pm

Email Address:

admin@woreeshs.eq.edu.au

Website: www.woreeshs.eq.edu.au

Woree State High School

Administration Team:

Principal: Mr Tony Fuller

Deputy Principals:Ms Susan McQuillan Mr Vince Musumeci

Business Services Manager:Mr Peter Stone

Student Support Services:

Guidance Officer: Mr Daniel Laifoo VET Coordinator: Ms Desley FerrandoLearning Support: Ms Mette MorrisonCEC: Mrs Ruth WoneSchool Nurses: Ms Karin Klein Ms Lou WiseYouth Support: Ms Leanne Doyle Chaplin: Ms Nicola Ellery

Heads of Department:

The Arts: Mr Robert Crookes Business/IT/HPE: Ms Trish Goodwin English: Ms Helen Tenison-WoodsINTAD/Home Ec: Mr Sandro CossaMathematics (Acting): Ms Kerry CarringtonSchoolTech: Mrs Carmel IivonenScience/Marine: Mr Ray GrundySoSE: Mr Steve LippingwellSpecial Education Program: Mrs Tracey Griggs

Year Coordinators:

Year 8: Mrs Melissa D’ArcyYear 9: Mr Caleb De VriesYear 10: Ms Allie MoyleYear 11: Ms Kristen WattYear 12: Mrs Cathy Brauns

Newsletter Editor:

Mrs Norijah Hardaker

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESKBEACON NATIONAL AWARDS

I am very proud to communicate to you the success achieved by Woree State High School at the recent BEACON National Conference. In 2011 Woree State High School was nominated for the BEACON Foundation National Excellence Awards in the following categories: “Beacon School of the Year” and “Most Outstanding Career Education Curriculum.” On 18 October at a Gala Dinner attended by 200 guests, Woree was announced the winning school for both nominations. This is an exciting and proud achievement for the school, staff

and students, having contested with 120 schools nationwide. Woree State High School will progress to “Platinum” level as a result of the awards and strength of its programs.

In 2010, a National Innovation Award was received for the “Work It” Fashion Parade and it is pleasing to see the program continues to grow from strength to strength each year. Staff attending the conference was given the opportunity to showcase ‘Beacon at Woree’ on

two occasions during the program. Both of these presentations were eagerly received by other schools in attendance, with many questions asked relating to our programs.NATIONAL COMPUTERS PROGRAM

This week, our current year 9, 10 and 11 students will be the first to be inducted into the 1:1 laptop program. How exciting is it that all these students will be issued a personal laptop that gives them IT and internet access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will certainly be one of the most significant advances in education in Australia and will require a major change in in the way we teach and learn. 480 laptops will be commissioned in the next month and by the commencement of 2014 we will have a further 150 come on-line allowing all year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students to be part of the program.Regardless if a student commits to a “take home charter” or not, each student will be assigned a laptop with individual management rights. This means that the day use computers will also need to be assigned to an individual and are logged in and out every day. Every computer will have a skin and tracking device that identifies with that student. They come already ghosted with the EQ build, but specific software needed for individual subjects will be loaded up by the school. Initially we will need to offer a combination of take home and day use laptops with the aim to transition to all take home by the end of the roll out. It has been confirmed that the Woree State High School parent contribution is $100 per year to be paid at $25 per term or in bulk at the start of the year. An extra $15 one-off charge is applicable for the computer skin and accessories. All students, no matter if they have committed to the take home charter or opt for the day use program, will be invoiced the $100. This charge has been kept to a minimum and is one of the lowest charges offered in the region as our goal is for over 90% parent commitment to the take home package. Tony Fuller

BEACON CHARTER SIGNING‘STEPPING TOWARDS OUR FUTURE’ Year 10 students made a positive commitment to their future in front of the school, staff, a well represented business community and parents on 13 October, 2011.

As part of the Beacon Foundation’s ‘No Dole’ program adopted by the school, the students took part in a charter signing ceremony, pledging commitment to a future in further education, training or employment.

Guest speakers, Oliver Voss (CAPTA Group), Georgina Breeuwer (NQ BEACON Representative) and Kula Manuka (past student) delivered inspiring addresses to the large crowd, urging the 130 Year 10 students to make positive choices for their future. Beacon Student Ambassador, Joshua Barnett addressed the gathering on behalf of the cohort

and Mr Fuller encouraged the students to achieve their goals.

The charter signing event was hosted and planned by the Beacon Student

Ambassadors who worked hard with their Beacon teachers, Jan Warnock, Gail Beggs

and Beacon Coordinator, Desley Ferrando, to ensure their charter event was one to be

remembered. The students made sure the name of the event - ‘Stepping Towards Our Future’ - was a

real reflection of what the day signified to their peers. Entertainment was provided by Intentional Motivation,

Shannan French, Ellyn Wone and the Hmong Dancers and was enjoyed by all.

To date, our Year 10 Students have mapped out their Senior Education and Training Plan involving an intensive interview

process, attended the Polish Program, Lunch with the Girls and Ambassadors’ Programs, had work experience opportunities,

participated in the “Work It” Fashion Parade and been involved in a community project.

The Charter Signing culminates a year filled with learning, career pathways and opportunities for the future.

Desley Ferrando BEACON COORDINATOR

FILM EXCURSION On 26 August, approximately 80 students went on an outing to the movies, courtesy of the National Film and Sound Archive. Yr 8s attended a screening of Legend of the Guardians while Yr 11s and some Yr 12s watched Jindabyne. The NFSA wants to ensure that films that are Australian or that have a significant Australian input are promoted through schools.

Students attended the screenings at the Birch Carroll and Coyle City Cinema. Year 11s and 12s had the treat of having the whole cinema to themselves while Yr 8s were joined by those local schools who also took advantage of the NFSA offer. Jindabyne was a very different film which provoked a lot of discussion on the way home from the cinema as students tried to reach agreement regarding the point of the film. Though some of the Year 8s had previously seen Legend of the Guardians, the big screen experience was appreciated. More discussion of the film will take place later in the year when the students study Australasian films.

I must take this opportunity to commend all students who attended the film excursion. It was a pleasure to be with such well-presented, well-behaved and polite students. Well done! Thanks also to Miss Thompson for her organisational efforts with this excursion. Ms Tenison-Woods HOD ENGLISH

A GET WELL WISH FOR NAME SUPPRESSEDAlmost two weeks before the end of term three, one of our senior students was seriously injured in an accident involving a bike and a car. He is currently a patient in Townsville Hospital and, by all accounts, has begun the long journey back to normality. On behalf of the 2011 senior cohort, we wish name suppressed all the best and hope to see him in the very near future.Cathy Brauns YEAR 12 COORDINATOR

BEACON “OPERATION SOUTHSIDE”The idea of Operation Southside began as a great opportunity for Woree and the local business commuity to connect. The 2010 Beacon Student Ambassadors (BSA’s) brainstormed the idea at the end of their time as ambassadors and were able to pass on the baton to the current BSA’s. 2011 saw the idea gain further momentum, involving the Southside Body Corporate and Councillor Rob Pyne and the “big picture” goal of a large working bee at the end of the school year.

In the interim, the BSA’s decided to action at the commencement of Term 3, having fortnightly litter collections during their lunch breaks. This has resulted in a much tidier shopping centre and better relationships between the business community and students, which is a fantastic result. We are eagerly looking forward to the working bee in November and seeing the fruits of our labour!Jan Warnock BEACON TEACHER

SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech

SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech

Considering an Apprenticeship?

Consider Schooltech.Complete Year 11 & 12 and start your career

at the same time.

TAFE’s award-winning SchoolTech and programs are Cairns’ only vocation-based senior high school courses.

Streams available for 2012:

• Electrical• Construction• Diesel Fitting

• Hairdressing• Fabrication• Construction (Wet Trades)

Contact Tropical North Queensland TAFE on 4042 2590 to enrol!

WOREEState High School

2010AWARDSTraining

Queensland

StateWinner

Right: Students check out the possible trades

on offer at the Information Night.

Left: Thanks to the team at Skill360 Australia, name suppressed enjoys work two days a week at Cairns Cable Company.

INFORMATION EVENINGS FOR SCHOOLTECH AND MARINETECHSchoolTech and MarineTech held their annual information evenings for current Year 10’s wanting to enrol in the programs for Year 11, 2012.

Both evenings were well attended with interested parents and students. Parents and students were taken on a tour of the ‘state of the art’ facilities at both TAFE and the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College.

Interviews for places in SchoolTech and MarineTech are in progress. Anyone wanting to find out more information about SchoolTech and MarineTech should contact:

Carmel Iivonen (4042 2490) or

Amanda Belanger (4042 2590)Applications are still being taken.

CASE STUDY OF A SCHOOL BASED ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE- Name SuppressedMy name is name suppressed and I am currently undertaking year 11 with the SchoolTech program. I had previously completed years 8 – 10 at Trinity Bay State High School and after a week’s work experience in Year 10 at Richardson’s Electrical, I knew that an electrician was the career choice that I wanted to pursue.

I wanted to get a headstart in my apprenticeship but I still wanted to finish year 12 and obtain my QCE. After seeing the SchoolTech program advertised, I decided to take the challenge and apply. The process involved sitting both a numeracy and literacy test, having an interview and presenting previous school reports. After all of this, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the SchoolTech program!

During the first five weeks of Term 1, all the year 11 students were placed with a company for work experience and it was our challenge to turn this work experience into a school-based apprenticeship. After several months, Skill360 Australia was able to sign me up with Cairns Cable Company. I now do two days a week as an apprentice, two days of school and a day of electrical trade classes.

SchoolTech is a great program and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to get a headstart in their chosen trade as well as obtaining their QCE.

Name SuppressedYEAR 11 ELECTRICAL STUDENT

Before we can look forward we need to reflect on the past. Term three finished with a myriad of sporting events happening for the students of Woree State High School.

RUGBY UNION FINALS

It was a credit to our school and young coach Dane Jeffries

that Woree State High School was to contest both finals for the Cairns and District Rugby Union competition.

• OPEN RUGBY UNION TEAM

Our open side, up against a strong St. Augustines team, were confident in the lead up particularly after their strong performance against powerhouse Rockhampton Grammar School the week prior. The side was thrown into slight disarray with a number of key players, particularly in our backline, unavailable for the clash. The side was down early, succumbing to an unrelentess Saints attack and the outlook was not flattering at 14 nil down. The side dug deep and showed tremendous Woree spirit in their fight back piling on 10 unanswered points. The coach sensed that victory was near as the side continued to dominate field and ball possession. However, the boys could not manage to cross the white line to steel the victory. A tremendous season for the side and their coach. Congratulations boys.

• U/14 RUGBY UNION TEAM

The U/14 side was undefeated through the regular season and that’s the way Coach Jeffries wanted it to stay. The team faced a determined TAS in the final and both sides battled gallantly in a tough encounter. Woree never appeared that they may lose the title, however, they were unable to assert total domination of the opposition as they had so many other sides this season. This didn’t faze Jeffries or super assistant De Vries as they urged the boys to stick to the game plan and to continue their dominance of the maul. Youngster Name suppressed (year 8) sealed an emphatic Woree State High School victory with his try in the latter stages of the game. Year 9 student Name suppressed, a Peninsula representative, played a tremendous game and was fittingly awarded Man of the Match by the selection panel. This side will be exciting again next season, with a number of the team in year 8 and available for next year. Congratulations to the U/14 Rugby Union team on an outstanding season and a terrific grand final victory.

It was certainly a fantastic year for the footballers at Woree State High School making 3 out of the possible 5 grand finals across the two codes. Congratulations again to all players in helping reaffirm our school as a sporting force to be reckoned with in the Cairns and District interschool sporting competitions.

Alastair Yeabsley SPORTS COORDINATOR

THE FINAL QUARTER

WOREE GIRLS AFL: WINNERS – U/15 INTERSCHOOL CHALLENGE

The Woree High School Girls AFL team has been at it again. Following up on the success of last year’s undefeated team, and then earlier this year the undefeated “Jo Butland Cup” winners, we entered our 15 years and under girls into the Cairns AFL interschool challenge. This was a competition against other high schools in Cairns that ran over several weeks on a Tuesday afternoon at Cazaly’s and Watson’s Oval.

Our girls, as always, were keen to sign up for the event and threw themselves into training at lunchtimes. Some of the girls had never really played before yet went on to hone their skills and become some of our most valuable players (Names suppressed).

The girls won almost all of their matches convincingly, with the only exception being the week we played Trinity Bay State High School, when we were missing our year 10 students due to their camp. However, the team got their chance for a rematch when we met Trinity Bay again in the Grand Final with the game won by Woree State High School: 49 to 31.

All the Woree girls played awesome games and I would like to thank them for the effort they put into playing, training and getting to the games. We also greatly appreciate the help parents provide in assisting their child to compete in these events. A great big thank-you must also go out to Stacy for her generously shared time, expertise, encouragement, and coaching skills.

Matt Evans COACH

Above (from left to right): Myer Store Manager Donna Green, names suppressed for the web, Woree State High School VET Coordinator Desley Ferando and Myer Service

Manager Shannon Baines.

Above: (Left-right) Name suppressed, Phyllis Docherty (Teachers Aide), Names suppressed and Gabriele Kullack (Teacher).

Before…what a mess!

After… a fantastic effort!

Above: Mr Galea from the Cairns Community Legal Service leads a discussion with the year 11 Legal Studies class about contract and civil law.

Photos: These photos were provided courtesy

of Colyn Lovegreen (Lovegreen Photography), official photographer of the 2011 Festival Cairns celebrations.

Above (from left to right): Recording results are (names suppressed for the web).

Right: Names suppressed for the webcaptured the Year 3s attention

MYER SUCCESS! THE JOURNEY CONTINUES...In 2010, names suppressed for the web commenced a pilot program with Myer (Cairns Central), studying for a Certificate II in Retail. Our group was a trial to see if school-based traineeships could be a successful part of the Myer Training Recruitment Program across the state. The program was so successful that names suppressed were offered an opportunity to study Certificate III in Retail this year and Myer Stores across the state are now offering school-based traineeships annually.

On 13 September 2011 we all completed our Certificate III and celebrated with our Trainer, Managers and VET Coordinator. The program has provided us with many great opportunities, along with a guaranteed job, once we have completed Year 12. Our school-based traineeship has rewarded us with 12 points towards our QCE and assisted us in becoming confident employees. In the future, my plan is to continue working and studying with Myer, eventually achieving my overall goal of reaching management level by age 25.

Ms McQuillan and Mr Findlay (my Deputy Principals) advised me earlier this year to “embrace all the opportunities you get”. This was valuable advice and has encouraged me to complete my Traineeship.

I would encourage anyone to apply for a school-based traineeship and, if successful, make the most of that opportunity!Name Suppressed YEAR 12 STUDENT

POTTY ABOUT PLANTSMembers of the Groovy Kanga’s Pots project have been cleaning up the school’s greenhouse and potting up plants for sale at the Food, Arts and Cultural Festival.

Every Tuesday since the beginning of Term 2 you would have seen us weed, sweep and rake the greenhouse and pot up, shape, fertilise and water a big variety of pot plants, ranging from very small to very big.

We have chosen these activities as part of our Certificate 1 in Work Readiness studies. The idea is to work as a team on an enterprise project.

At the end we will write a report and hopefully pass the unit.Name suppressed YEAR 12 STUDENT

CENTACARE YOUTH SERVICES IS ON FACEBOOK!The Youth Support Coordinators at Centacare Youth Services have developed a Facebook Page as a dynamic medium to reach more young people and to provide another way for young people to ask questions and access youth specific information. The Youth Support Coordinators update the page with information, events, and services that young people can access in their communities and schools.You are welcome to view and “like” our page – you’ll find us at www.facebook.com/centacareyouthservices.If you would like to find out more, please contact the Youth Support Coordinator, Leanne Doyle. You’ll find Leanne in P-Block, next to the English staffroom, on Mondays and Thursdays.Leanne Doyle YOUTH SUPPORT COORDINATOR

LEGAL EAGLES GET A REAL TASTE OF THE LAW!Senior legal studies students put their legal knowledge to the test on Monday 5th September when Solicitor Paul Galea brought the real world of the law into the classroom. Mr Galea, a solicitor in private practice, currently working with the Cairns Community Legal Service led a discussion with our year 11 Legal Studies students in contract and tort law (civil law). Our students heard how solicitors deal with often complex legal matters doing the day to day work of the law. Students were also able to gain information about The Family Law Act (1975) and The Marriage Act (1953) as a background to their current studies in family law. Mr Galea also discussed the structure of the courts at State and Federal levels, jurisdiction matters, the difference between Barristers and Solicitors, de facto relationships, dispute resolution and how the courts apply the doctrine of precedent. Mr Galea made the point that the law is important for many other degrees and certificates and essential for everyday living as informed and empowered citizens. On behalf of our legal studies students, name suppressed thanked Mr Galea for his time and valuable contribution to their study of the law.Stephen Lippingwell HOD SOSE

FESTIVAL CAIRNS GRAND PARADEOnce again the Woree State High School Marching Band put on a show for the Festival Cairns Grand Parade. 10,000 people lined the sidewalk of the Cairns Esplanade in anticipation of this annual event. The Grand Parade is one of the largest spectacles of the Cairns Festival season.

For a change, the Parade for 2011 was held on the Sunday afternoon and began a little earlier than in previous years, giving the band the opportunity to don some glitter party hats to really show the Cairns public how to have good time whilst celebrating our musical talents.

The band members were buzzing with excitement and the new one way esplanade road meant the audience was up close and personal along the whole route of the parade, allowing for some improvised musical interactions with the public.

A great time was had by all. If you are reading this and know a student who would like to give the instrumental music program a go and be a part of this respected marching band, please contact the school and ask to speak with Mr Larkin or Mr Crookes for more information.

Robert Crookes HOD ARTS

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK -COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY FOR FAMILIES TO ENHANCE POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTHAlthough it can sometimes feel like your children are from another world, there is hope!The keys to good communication are recognising that your child is different and spending the time to understand their world first.One of the top five reasons children call the Kids Helpline is because of a breakdown in family relationships and communication.This website, developed by Optus and Kids Helpline, includes a range of practical and straightforward information, tools and tips to help bring your worlds closer together. The website, www.talktoyourkids.com.au, is aimed at parents and includes a range of information to help parents better understand their children’s world.Karin Klein SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

YEAR 10S EXTRAORDINARY SCIENCE EXPODuring term three the 10B science class put together a science expo for Woree State Primary School Class 3A.

The year 10’s showed the primary students all about chemical reactions.The year 3s rotated in groups of five through five different chemical reactions, (Endothermic, Exothermic, catalyst, displacement and combustion),

They also learnt about the safety aspects of being in the science lab.

Congratulations to 10B science for inviting and setting up an extraordinary science expo for the year 3s and congratulations to 3A, from Woree State Primary School, for their excellent behaviour. Name Suppressed YEAR 10 STUDENT

Above: Ray Grundy (P&C President), Desley Boyle (Member for Cairns), Mrs Madge Murdoch and Principal Tony Fuller officially open the Lesley Murdoch Arts Centre

with the unveiling of the plaque.

YEAR 10 “STEPPING OUT” CAMPIn the last week of term 3 Year 10’s travelled to Echo Creek, Tully for their “Stepping Out” camp. The camp was unique for two reasons. Firstly the title “Stepping Out” held significant meaning throughout the three day camp. Students were expected to literally ‘step out’ of their comfort zones as they participated in the various learning experiences organised, including orienteering, down river walk, raft building, obstacle course, rock climbing and abseiling. Secondly this camp was part of the students’ SOSE Work Education Certificate.

Students were placed into their five form groups throughout the camp and had to create a team logo. During the camp the groups screen printed their logos onto T-shirts as a group uniform and memento of their time at Echo Creek.

On the final night of camp students participated in the group competition “Minute to Win It”. It was great to see students shaking, jumping and waving their way to glory, however 10E (Team Resilience) reached victory after a three-way tie required a final play off.

I’d like to compliment the students on their behaviour and participation. It was a great note on which to end the term. Also a big thank you to all the staff who willingly gave up their time and helped make this camp possible.

Allie Jeffries YEAR 10 COORDINATOR

1: Name suppressed recieving her award 2: Name suppressed 3: Name suppressed R.I.P 4: Name suppressed-Urban Jungle 5: Name suppressed-Do I Fit

1

2 3

4

ENERGY EXHIBITION CELL ART SPACE AWARDSEnergy Exhibition Cell Art Space Awards is the region’s showcase of some of the best young emerging artistic talent. Through their artworks, the exhibiting art students demonstrate a high degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of art forms and media. Works exhibited as part of Energy Exhibition Cell Art Space Awards can include drawing, painting, photography, innovative installation and multimedia works.

Woree State High School was lucky enough to showcase four year 12 Art student works. The following students had their artwork on display at the Tanks Art Centre:

Names suppressed for the web. These four students presented a high level of artistic abilities; and each devoted a lot of time and energy into developing their individual artworks, achieving excellent results in the arts and recognition in the Far North Arts community.

Ergon Energy and the PAEA (Peninsular Art Education Association) are organisers of the annual event and give out a number of awards on the opening evening. Names suppressed for the web were lucky enough to receive Encouragement Awards on the night from both Ergon Energy and the PAEA. On behalf of Woree State High School I would like to congratulate all of our students who were able to be a part of this annual visual arts event.Julie Dimitrijevski ART TEACHER

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BRISBANE HOUSE FIRE VICTIMSOn 1 September the Pacific Islander Community led a memorial service in honour of the Pacific Island people who lost their lives in the recent Slacks Creek house fire in Brisbane. The service was conducted in our Community Learning Centre and was well attended by approximately 300 people.

The service was in response to enquiries from our teachers and community members who felt strongly that even though we are separated by distance we are connected to the families and victims of the fire by our culture, our humanity and our faith.

Pacific Islander leaders and church ministers were contacted and agreed to help our school organise the event. On the evening, Woree State High School and Woree State School combined with Pacific Islander groups from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Island, PNG, Torres Strait and local Indigenous communities at the service. Warren Entsch, Robert Pyne, Deputy Mayor Margaret Cochrane, senior members of the Queensland police service and church leaders attended. The service was opened with a prayer from Reverend Mahuta Tautu followed by a welcome to country by Seith Fourmile, a representative of the original owners of the land.

A collection raised $980 and the Cook Island Presbyterian Church of Cairns donated $2000 on the night. A cheque for $2980 made payable to Mr Tau Taufa, family patriarch, on behalf of the surviving family members, was presented to him in Brisbane.

Aquilar Luki PACIFIC ISLANDER COMMUNITY LIAISON OFFICER

RESULTS FROM THE ICAS SCIENCE AND RACI CHEMISTRY COMPETITION Once again Woree State High School students have participated in and performed commendably in the International Science Competition and the National Chemistry Quiz. Students receiving certificates of distinction for being in the top 10% and credits for reaching the top 20% were celebrated in a presentation on whole school parade.

DISTINCTIONS WERE AWARDED TO:

Names suppressed for the web CREDITS WERE AWARDED TO:

Names suppressed for the web

The fact that most schools only nominate their top students for these tests further highlights the achievements of these students. Well done!Ray Grundy HOD SCIENCE

OPENING OF THE LESLEY MURDOCH ARTS CENTREWednesday 19 October was a very significant day for Woree State High School; a day where we finalise a long term plan for upgrading a very dilapidated arts building into a modern and highly operational facility that inspires and draws out student creativity. This facility, from now on, will be known as the “Lesley Murdoch Arts Centre” and the “MAG” Murdoch Art Gallery. Four years ago the Woree team created a vision to re-design the existing facility, addressing the changing face of the arts, moving into a digital world and opening up opportunities for our students to reach their potential.

What we had was an old commerce room converted into an art block: • Four dingy classrooms • No storage • An out-dated dark room

• No outdoor area • No area for students to display their work

Now we have:

• Three spacious rooms • Purpose built store areas for student work• Courtyard that integrates perfectly with the classrooms • Multi media room providing access to high tech computers• Gallery that flows out into the courtyard.

It was an honour to have Scott Doherty and the Murdoch family attend the opening to acknowledge and celebrate the contribution Lesley gave to the development of the Arts within the school, some family members travelling from Melbourne and Newcastle. Special mention must be made of the significant contribution our Arts Coordinator, Mr Ross Unsworth, has provided throughout the design phase making sure the end result was practical and innovative.

Tony Fuller PRINCIPAL

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