WOREEHIGHLIGHTS

ISSUE 8, Nov-Dec 2011

Right: Names suppressed – Winners of the Talent Quest

Above: Name suppressed showing her creative side face painting

Above: Year 8 students helping with the sausage sizzle

Above: Name suppressed modelling a ‘Trashion’ outfit.

Above: Artwork display in the new art courtyard Insert: Mask designs by ATSI and SOSE students

Below: Name suppressed assists Russell Brunskill at the SEP Helium Balloon stall

NAME SUPPRESSED

2012 SENIOR LEADERS

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IMPORTANT DATES

• School resumes for all students: 23 JANUARY, 2012.

OFFICE HOURS

THE GENERAL OFFICE WILL RE-OPEN:Monday 16th January, 2012Monday – Friday: 9am – 3pm(This is the week before schoolcommences)

AFTER 23RD JANUARY, 2012:Office hours will be:Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm& Friday 8am – 3.30pm

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED: Thursday 26th January, 2012

( Australia Day Holiday)

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME

SRS Participation Agreement Forms are included with this newsletter. These

forms MUST be completed (including the payment plan) and returned to the school

office before 31st January, 2012 to enable your students’ immediate access to resources (e.g.

textbooks). We appreciate your prompt attention.

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING TIMES

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL 2011:Tuesday December 6 and Wednesday December 7

8.30 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. Not open Thursday December 8.

LAST WEEK OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2012: Monday January 16 to Friday January 20

9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.

FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL 2012 (WEEK 1):Monday 23 January – Wednesday 25 January

9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m.Closed Australia Day Thursday 26 January

THEN EVERY THURSDAY THEREAFTER DURING 2012:

Thursdays 8.00 a.m. – 9.00 a.m.

EFTPOS is available for purchases.

Have a safe and happy holiday!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

Arts, Culture and Food FestivalStudents once again showcased their talents at Woree’s Arts, Culture and Food Festival.

The afternoon was filled with music from various groups including the school marching band, student rock groups, Phoenix Rising and Intentional Motivation, and the very talented name suppressed for the web.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESKFAREWELL

It is with some emotion that I update the Woree School Community that I will be departing the school in 2012 to take up the Principal’s position at Redlynch State College. This will be an acting role for 12 months and it is expected to be advertised for permanency after this time. I would like to acknowledge the amazing team with whom I have had the pleasure to work with over the past six years. Their focus on school improvement and student outcomes is second to none in the region. I am pleased to state that Woree is now regarded as an innovative and leading secondary school and I feel it is in a great place to hand over to the next principal. It is the students of Woree who make this place so special: some may be a little rough around the edges and others just so inspirational but it is their diversity and honesty that make them so special. I will truly miss the interaction with Woree students and wish all future students and staff the best on their educational journey.

GRADUATING YEAR 12’S OF 2011

Earlier this month, students, parents and staff had the pleasure of celebrating the graduation of this year’s SchoolTech and Woree High senior students. Both these special events were held at the Reef Casino. A very formal ceremony reflected on the year’s experiences and culminated in the presentation of each student’s graduation certificate. All the students looked absolutely magnificent, beaming with pride and a sense of accomplishment. I wish each and every one of you the very best for the future. Your contributions to the school have been valued and I look forward to seeing you all transition into work, further training or higher education. Enjoy the collage of photos in the centre of this newsletter.

I would like to thank Cathy Brauns and Deb McLennan for organising the formal and graduation ceremonies and for supporting these two groups over the last few years. Although a very demanding job, their passion and enthusiasm as mentors has been outstanding and I am sure all the year 12s will remember and appreciate the many words of wisdom and support given them.

SENIOR LEADERS FOR 2011

As one group of leaders depart, the next step up to the challenge. As Principal, one of the most rewarding experiences each year would certainly be the selection process for our school leaders. The process involves a written application, election speeches, interviews with the selection panel and voting by students and staff. Fourteen students nominated this year and they all demonstrated a broad range of skills and a strong passion for their school. In the end difficult decisions were made and we congratulate the elected leaders for 2012:

It is also important to acknowledge the excellent work of the outgoing student leaders. They have been outstanding ambassadors for the school, who contributed greatly to raising the school’s profile. Thank you names suppressed for the web and good luck in the future.

STUDENT TALENTS RECOGNISED

Special congratulations to SchoolTech and Woree Campus students receiving awards at this year’s Presentation Evening

RESULTS ARE IN FOR THE AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

The results of the 34th annual Australian Mathematics Competition held on 4 August are now available and students have been presented

with their individual certificates. This is an International competition, having become the major schools mathematics enrichment event and

benchmark for mathematical ability throughout the Pacific and South East Asia. It tests everything from basic numeracy skills through to advanced

problem solving.

This year Woree State High School entered 116 students from grades 8 to 12. Congratulations to names suppressed for the web who all obtained a Distinction.

Special mention must go to name suppressed for the web who took out the school’s Prudence Award for having the most consecutive correct answers. 35

students received a Credit and 14 a Proficiency. All other students who entered received a Certificate of Participation. Congratulations to all students who entered

the competition and I take this opportunity to thank them for their participation and support of the competition.

Kerry Carrington MATHEMATICS COORDINATOR

This year’s Talent Quest final was won by names suppressed, whose angelic voices touched the hearts of their audience and judges alike. Audiences were also amused by the many humorous plays performed by the schools’ gifted Drama students. The entertainment kept coming with dances being performed by students from the Samoan, Cook Island, Hmong, Torres Strait Island and Aboriginal communities. Anyone wanting to enjoy a more relaxed afternoon was able to stroll around the new Art courtyard, browsing at the creative artworks or visiting one of the many stalls. Tasting the delicious food cooked by the hospitality students was also high on the agenda, with all who were treated to the feast being more than satisfied.

All students and teachers who were involved in this year’s festival are to be congratulated and thanked for all their hard work. It is due to their time and effort that the Arts, Culture and Food Festival was a big success.

Teresa SollyARTS, CULTURE AND FOOD FEST COORDINATOR

and thank you to the team of people behind the scenes organizing the event. Special thanks to Vince Musumeci as this years coordinator. It was pleasing to see such a broad range of student talent showcased throughout the night- these are acknowledged later in the newsletter.

The Arts Food and Cultural Festival was once again a wonderful event with plenty of entertainment and food provided. What a fantastic team effort with every staff member and the majority of our students contributing something to the event! Congratulations to our coordinator, Teresa Solly.

2012 SCHOOL STARTING DATES

School will resume on Monday 23rd January, 2012 for all students. The school will be open the week before for enrolments, early Resource Hire Scheme payments or

purchase of school uniforms.

As this is the final newsletter for 2011, I wish all Woree High families a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

Tony Fuller

SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech

SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech SchoolTech

Right: Principal Tony Fuller and UQ Program Manager Kim Lyons congratulate scholarship recipients names suppressed for the web.

Above: (L-R) Names suppressed for the webAbove: Name suppressed for the web preparing to snorkel

Photo: Names suppressed for the web pulling in their catch of the day!

GONE FISHIN’As part of SchoolTech Recreation Studies, a fishing trip to Palm Cove jetty was organised for the year 11 and 12 students in week 4 of this term. After being postponed because of torrential rain the week before, the sun finally reappeared and it was a perfect day for fishing. All the students participated and threw in a line and hoped for the best.

As the day progressed some students decided to explore the rest of Palm Cove which is one of Cairns main tourist attractions. Because of this, a large group of Korean tourists came to the jetty to investigate. They seemed very interested in watching us fish and took numerous photos of our group.

Towards the end of the day it became extremely hot and some students went for a swim and many ended up severely sunburnt.

Overall, we all enjoyed ourselves and thought it was a great excursion to finish the school year.

Name suppressed for the webYEAR 12 HAIRDRESSING

A DAY AT MARINETECHOver the past two weeks MarineTech students have been stuck in a classroom studying one of eleven components for our Coxswains Certificate. We need to complete all eleven components over an 18 month period to attain this certificate.

A Coxswains Certificate is basically a licence that allows you to be a skipper and the engineer of either a trading or fishing vessel less than 12m in length and with engines up to 250kw. The component on which we have spent the past few weeks is Monitor Condition of Seaworthiness. This involved substantial theory work but we had gained knowledge about everything from what the superstructure of a vessel is to inspecting watertight bulk heads.

After two long weeks in the classroom all the Grade 11 M a r i n e Te c h students were ready to apply their knowledge in the practical assignment of this component. This was done on one of the TAFE training vessels, the Gwendolyn May. We spent the day cruising throughout the Trinity Inlet taking turns to drive the TAFE vessel which was just awesome! We practised seamanship skills such as Man Overboard Drills and Anchoring and did our best not to crash into the mangroves or any other vessels. Linking the theory to the practical was great as it all finally made sense.

At the end of the day we all made it safely back to the wharf and managed to get our awesome trade teacher, Macca, to sign off on the task we had completed that day. This has taken us one step closer to achieving our Coxswains Certificate.

Name suppressed for the webYEAR 11 MARINETECH STUDENT

UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND YOUNG ACHIEVERS PROGRAMThe UQ Young Achievers Program (YAP) is an exciting initiative which aims to build the tertiary aspirations of secondary school students. The focus of the program is on nurturing and developing participants and building their educational ambitions by providing opportunities for social development, academic enrichment and personal growth.Recently three year 10 students from Woree State High School were presented scholarship certificates from the UQ Program Manager Kim Lyons at a small presentation with family and friends. The students were very happy to receive their scholarships and can’t wait to go!

The students said: “we were excited to discover we will be going on a Uni camp at UQ in the second week of school next year. It will be a great opportunity to meet up with other students from the region and its a great opportunity for our future.”

Names suppressed for the web

YEAR 10 STUDENTS

FITZROY ISLAND BIOLOGY CAMPOn 24-25 October our year eleven Biology class camped on Fitzroy Island. Our task was to complete a field study over the two days which included; beach and vegetation profiles, quadrant analysis of beach rock populations, comparing communities, the profile of an organism and human impact on the Island. The highlight of our trip was being able to go snorkeling. The

entire experience was worthwhile, from putting up our tents at the beginning of our trip to steadily taking them down while reminiscing with friends about how enjoyable the trip was for everyone.

We learnt a lot and had the opportunity to observe human impacts and gain a better appreciation for our beautiful Great Barrier Reef.

Name suppressed for the webYEAR 11 STUDENT

Above: Driving the simulated tug boat

Above: Students gather for the customaryexchanging of gifts

SAKAIMINATO COMPREHENSIVE TECHNICAL SCHOOL STUDENT EXCHANGELast Thursday twenty-seven students visited the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College (IMC) as part of an exchange student programme between Woree SHS and Sakaiminato Comprehensive Technical School. Year 11 MarineTech students had the honour of being hosts for the day. The visiting students were given an extensive tour of the IMC and thoroughly enjoyed driving a simulated tug boat in one of the schools’ simulation rooms.

After a typical “Aussie” morning tea of meat pies and sausage rolls there was the customary exchanging of gifts. Students then took part in a life-raft rescue exercise in the college pool. This proved very popular with the ten best Japanese students going up against the ten best MarineTech students. This round saw the “Aussies” coming home by just 4 seconds to win, under the careful watch-keeping of chief steward Alan Williams.

After lunch it was off for a guided tour of the training vessel “Wakatorimaru”. The day proved to be a resounding success with great interaction between our Woree students and Sakaiminato Comprehensive Marine students. Arrangements are under way for a return visit next year.John McSweeney MARINETECH TEACHER

CENTREPAY PAYMENTS

Centrepay payments can now be organised for 2012 SRS & subject fees. Please come into the school office and complete the necessary paperwork.

HELP FOR PARENTS TO PREVENT DRINKING PROBLEMS IN YOUNG PEOPLEParentingStrategies.net -provides a range of appropriate parenting strategies.

This website gives families practical strategies for dealing with the common dilemma of when to allow their children to drink alcohol. Parents who implement these strategies may also reduce the risk that their child will develop alcohol-related problems as a young adult.

Under-age drinking is widely viewed as an appropriate rite-of-passage within the community. With the festive season upon us, parents are facing increased pressure to allow their underage children to drink.

The ParentingStrategies.net website assists parents who are struggling to cope with adolescent drinking and/or want strategies to prevent their child from developing drinking problems. Parents can assess their parenting approaches and knowledge around adolescent drinking on the website. They can also receive personalised feedback on how to confidently manage their child’s alcohol use.

This website has been developed by Melbourne University, Orygen Youth Health research Centre and Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre.

(INFORMATION FROM: UNIVERSITY OF MELB &ORYGEN YOUTH HEALTH)

Karin Klein SCHOOL YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

WSHS UNIFORM SHOP PRICE LIST

All prices (including GST) correct as of 21 November, 2011.

Please note that payments to the uniform shop need to be either cash, cheque or EFTPOS.

Items sold at the Woree State High School Uniform Shop include:

• Unisex Polo Shirt (Year 8 -12) $ 30.00• School Shorts including WSHS logo (Year 8 -12) $ 21.00• Formal Long Skirt (Senior students only) $ 38.00• Formal Short Skirt $ 34.00• Senior Girl’s Blouse $ 32.00• Senior Boy’s Shirt $ 32.00• School Tie $ 18.00• WSHS Winter Jacket $ 40.00• Senior Boy’s Tailored Black Long Trousers $ 38.00 • Senior Boy’s Tailored Black Shorts $ 32.00• Senior Girl’s Tailored Black Long Pants $ 32.00• Reversible School Hat with logo (House colours) $10.00

PLEASE SEE BACK PAGE FOR OPENING TIMES.

Above: Names suppressed for the web give an interactive

presentation.

Left: Names suppressed for the web explain how easy it is for unwanted rubbish to endanger the wildlife on our reef.

Our School Concert Band conducted by Mr. Jason Larkin performed two musical pieces:TV Tunes and John Williams in Concert

Jeff Pezzutti presenting the Year 11Lions Global All Rounder Award to name suppressed

Tracey Griggs presenting a Personal Achievement Award to name suppressed (Year 12)

Carmel Iivonen presents name suppressed (Year 11)with a SchoolTech Academic Award

Mr Michael Itel presents name suppressed the award for Middle School Sportswoman of the Year

Senior and Middle School Outstanding Instrumentalists:Names suppressed for the web

Clive Dixon presents a Half Maroonto name suppressed

Skill360 Australia SchoolTech Apprentice of the Year:names suppressed for the web (Tied)

TNQ TAFE Vocational Studentof the Year— name suppressed

2012 Captains: Names suppressed for the web Dux of Senior School, SchoolTech/MarineTech and Middle School All enjoy a comic performance from the Skit Club

Above: The Catering@10 class at the conclusion of their buffet

luncheon for staff

Below: Jennifer Eather (left) and Susan McQuillan (right) obviously enjoying their meals

Above: Names suppressed for the web both very busy preparing their dishes for the buffet lunch

Above: Names suppressed for the webpreparing a dessert

Above: Name suppressedconcentrating on her cooking

A SUMPTUOUS BUFFET LUNCH FROM THE CHEFS AT CATERING@10This term our Catering class was given the task of preparing a buffet for our teachers. The first step involved the class working as a team to decide what foods we were going to be cooking and who would be cooking what. The class decided to have 14 main meals and 8 desserts. We had a draw to see what each of us would cook and I was lucky enough to draw a dessert. I was a bit nervous because I had never cooked a buffet or cooked for other people before. Once I worked through all the steps of doing the work plan and food orders for my recipes, I became more confident and as time came closer I became more excited. We had some practical lessons preparing desserts which made me more confident and I thought “I can do this”. The dessert I cooked was the “Raspberry Mousse”. I finished early so I still had plenty of time to help set the tables, make drinks, clean our part of the kitchen and after all that, Mrs Biddle appointed me waitress and that was pretty cool. We had no real dramas with the cooking, but any problems were sorted out so we still managed to serve the food on time. I thank my teacher, Mrs Biddle, for organising the food orders and the task of preparing a buffet. It was a great experience. We received a lot of good feedback from the teachers. As a class we would be more than happy to cook for them again, and I am sure they would happily come along! Thank you teachers for supporting us.Name suppressed for the web YEAR 10 STUDENT

YEAR 10 MARINE HIGHLIGHT THE IMPACT OF LITTERING ON THE REEFIn year 10 Marine and Aquatic Practices the class was asked to educate the high school and primary school students about the dangers of littering. The main danger is to the Great Barrier Reef and by not littering we can save the reef and animals. We made slide shows that educate young people about what happens when you don’t pick up rubbish. We showed the children that we should not be throwing unwanted materials on the ground. I think that it is important to educate people of the dangers that rubbish can really have on our environment. It hopefully will encourage others to clean up after themselves and not just at their school. It was a great experience to speak in front of a large crowd. This project has not only helped the students understand but has also helped me.

Name suppressed for the webYEAR 10 STUDENT

Presentation Night Awards – Celebrating Success!Each year the achievements of our students are celebrated at Presentation Night. The celebrations embrace the whole spectrum of student engagement at Woree State High School and we were proud to award 47 sporting awards, 58 cultural service awards, 5 personal achievement awards and 252 academic awards.In addition to these awards, that recognised merit and excellence over three school terms in the areas listed, there were 39 special awards that recognised our most committed and highest achieving students and community members.

SPECIAL AWARD WINNERS:

Middle School Sportsman of the Year Name suppressed

Middle School Sportswoman of the Year Name suppressed

Senior School Sportsman of the Year Name suppressed

Senior School Sportswoman of the Year Name suppressed

Middle School Outstanding Cultural Service Name suppressed

Senior School Outstanding Cultural Service Name suppressed

Middle School Outstanding Instrumentalist Name suppressed

Senior School Outstanding Instrumentalist Name suppressed

Mayor’s Community Fund, Quality & Equality Award for Citizenship Name suppressed

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork - Year 10 Name suppressed

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork - Year 11 Name suppressed

ADF Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork - Year 12 Name suppressed

Lions Global Outcomes All Rounder - Year 8 Name suppressed

Lions Global Outcomes All Rounder - Year 9 Name suppressed

Lions Global Outcomes All Rounder - Year 10 Name suppressed

Lions Global Outcomes All Rounder - Year 11 Name suppressed

Lions Global Outcomes All Rounder - SchoolTech Name suppressed

Caltex Best All Rounder - Year 12 Name suppressed

Tropical North Queensland TAFE Vocational Student of the Year Name suppressed

Vocational Partnerships Group School-Based Apprentice of the Year Name suppressed

Vocational Partnerships Group School-Based Apprentice of the Year Name suppressed

Skill360 Australia SchoolTech Apprentice of the Year Name suppressed

Skill360 Australia SchoolTech Apprentice of the Year Name suppressed

Half Maroon Names suppressed

Full Maroon Names suppressed

Dux of SchoolTech/MarineTech Name suppressed

Jeff Pezzutti Dux of Middle School Name suppressed

Jeff Pezzutti Dux of Senior School Name suppressed

Pierre de Coubertin Name suppressed

Friend of the School CaPTA Group

JCU Access Program Name suppressed

JCU Access Program Name suppressed

JCU Access Program Name suppressed

JCU Access Program Name suppressed

While this is a very special night for our award winners, it is also an opportunity to showcase the artistic talents of our students. The entertainment included two musical pieces from our School Concert Band, the soulful voice of name suppressed for the web, a live musical performance from Phoenix Rising Unplugged, a comical drama piece from the Skit Club, a thunderous arousal from the year 10 Drumming class and, finally, the beautiful performance from sisters names suppressed for the web.

It was another wonderful evening and we would encourage as many students and parents as possible to join us next year.

Vince Musumeci DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (ACTING)

Woree State High School Formal Graduation • Woree State High School Formal Graduation • Woree State High School Formal Graduation

The Woree State High School Formal and Graduation photos were provided courtesy of NQ School Photography.To view and purchase photos, please visit their showroom at: 4/90 Aumuller Street, Portsmith.

SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation

The SchoolTech Formal and Graduation photos were provided courtesy of NQ School Photography.To view and purchase photos, please visit their showroom at: 4/90 Aumuller Street, Portsmith.

SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation • SchoolTech Formal Graduation

SchoolTech Year 12 Formal & GraduationThe year ended with a few tears and a lot of hugs at the traditional farewell breakfast BBQ. Students enjoyed a great cook-up of hash-browns, sausages, eggs and bacon: just what they needed after a hectic time at the formal celebrations the night before. Some were planning to head on to Schoolies, while others were straight into full-time work on Monday.

Overall, it has been an interesting year. Many times I found myself reassessing views I held about what is (and what isn’t) normal or acceptable. Young people are creating new ways of dealing with an ever-changing world. They face challenges unlike those we have faced before. We may not always understand what they do or why they do it, but at the end of the day they are coping with this crazy world and we should have faith in them. The Class of 2011 are full of vitality, strong opinions and a desire for fun. Let’s hope this is a recipe for success.

Congratulations to all the SchoolTech Year 12s. You’ve certainly taught me a lot. Thanks for the debates and I hope I changed your views as much as you changed mine!

Deb McLennan YEAR 12 COORDINATOR SCHOOLTECH

Woree State High School Year 12 Formal & GraduationThe girls looked absolutely stunning, the boys dashing. Parents, carers, staff and friends witnessed the graduation of this year’s seniors on Wednesday 16th November. The formal function was held at Pullmans Reef Casino.

After five years of nurturing and guiding these young people on the road to independence, it was finally time for them to enter the world of work. It has been a very gratifying experience, watching these young people grow in confidence and knowledge for their life outside school. I wish the graduates of 2011 the very best for their life. I hope that

life deals you the best hand and you make the most of it. “The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it.”

Cathy Brauns WSHS YEAR 12 COORDINATOR