2 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers

BEHAVIOUR IMPROVEMENT during Term 1

Across the entire school, we have exceeded our 90% target for students achieving a C or better on their Term 1 report for behaviour, with the six year levels averaging 90.1%! Our stand out year levels were Year 7, 10 (highest) and 11 with all three exceeding the 90% target. Alongside this, we are closely monitoring the number of students with multiple referrals, as we need to support these students to make better choices, which allow teachers to teach, and all students to learn. We have an ever-growing range of strategies we are implementing with family support, to reduce the number of students who have multiple behaviour referrals.

WORK EXPERIENCE – Year 10

I have started reading and signing all of the work experience reports that have come in. I was very impressed with many of these already, with a number of students receiving “excellent” for every aspect of their report. I am making it a priority to meet with these students and congratulate them on their success. Lachlan Wade was my first yesterday and he was extremely proud of his achievements. Once all of the reports are in, I will organise a celebration with the assistance of Mrs Sanders, Mr Coe and Mr Shields. Our school is very appreciative of the massive amount of community support for our Year 10s. They are our future leaders and to have the best behaviour results for Term 1, this is setting them up for a very positive future indeed.

ATTENDANCE – hitting some early goals

Our Year 7’s have sustained excellent attendance throughout most of Term 1. However, towards the end, the rate dropped and they just missed our target of 90%, coming in at 89.9%! However, within Year 7, we have 40% attending between 95% and 100% - so only missing between 0 and 2.5 days for the term! This is an incredible result and we will be encouraging students to have this figure rise to at least 50% of the year level for Term 2.

NAPLAN online – Year 7 and 9

Preparation for this new platform is well underway with four Year 7 Science classes having formal practice on Friday. Staff are making sure every family has access to the Naplan practice site and Mrs Wellspring is providing additional practice and support to students who may be a little hesitant. The good news is that the online platform actually has a “branching” process built in so if students are unable to answer a question correctly, it takes them in a different direction with an adjusted question to suit their level. This simply was not possible with paper based testing. The brilliance of IT programs that are designed to mark these “branched” responses is amazing. Please contact Mrs Byrt or Mrs Wellspring if you have any questions. Students are able to use their own devices and our technician Greg Rutter, has been working massive hours to ensure all platforms are ready. His ANZAC day was spent at school on this and we are grateful. We do expect 100% participation so please if families have any worries, please speak to the relevant staff, or Deputies.

ANZAC DAY 2019

Our school ceremony, Dawn Service and community service were all great examples of respect, spirit and resilience, particularly with the wet and windy weather our band and choir students experienced at the Dawn Service. There were certainly no complaints from the students or staff involved. Our instrumental music teachers and classroom music teacher (Ms Payne) are to be congratulated for the continued high standards produced by our students. Some of our students have now been in the IM program for all of their secondary schooling (and upper primary years) and are truly performing at a very high standard.

Thanks to our captains, Teana Pass and Hayley McCann; for delivering the youth speech at the community service. It was from their hearts and meaningful to the entire audience.

CROSS COUNTRY

Below are some photos of our school’s cross-country colour run which was very successful. Ms Hauser’s video presentation at Monday’s parade was enjoyed by all students enjoyed. Results will be in the newsletter.

Warm regards
Ruth Miller
Principal

School Captains ANZAC Day speech

TEANA This year we are honouring the remembrance of the women of Australia who contributed to the war efforts. Many women during WW1 and WW2 devoted their time to aid in the medical field of warfare as well as to help keeping our nation running when the men were off fighting. As young women of the 21st century we feel inspired by the strength and dedication of the women that stood before us and we aspire to reach goals that would make our former veterans proud. These women of the past inspire us to be better women for the future.

HAYLEY In comparison to the recognition that women received during war previously, our society has advanced significantly in the equal treatment of women in military. Since the first of January 2013 women currently serving in the ADF have been entitled to take up front line and combat roles, which were previously off limits to them. In 2015, women constituted close to 15% of the deployed force. In 2017 the official definition of “veteran” was revised so that many older service-women were for the first time officially recognised on Anzac Day 2018 as veterans. As young women in the 21st century, we are proud to be a part of a generation that acknowledges and remembers the brave women in war. Our military is immensely diverse today and we strive to constitute a future that not only remembers previous veterans but aims to create a future of courage and strength.

TEANA In times of war, women around the country took up roles in many different jobs keeping the country on its feet when assistance was needed most. Various community groups that are present in our Livingstone area, are living legacies of the dedication women showed to our country in times of war. Organisations such as the CWA, Girl Guides and many more were prominent in society, holding up the front at home, and all around the world. The CWA, despite not being formed until 1922, helped in WWII, across communities and preparing camouflage nets and knitted socks for troops.

HAYLEY The Girl Guides not only acted as support for first aid, child care and general support in the community, but in many parts of the world were employed as military intelligence. As a Girl Guide myself, I look back on these girl’s fearless nature in awe. They lived with both courage and strength, elements of our guide law that I strive to live by myself. Committed to service, these clubs and many more still present in Australia today, assisted in war efforts tremendously.

To conclude, we would like to read a poem by Jessie Pope; titled War Girls.

TEANA
There's the girl who clips your ticket for the train,
And the girl who speeds the lift from floor to floor,
There's the girl who does a milk-round in the rain,
And the girl who calls for orders at your door.
Strong, sensible, and fit,
They're out to show their grit,
And tackle jobs with energy and knack.
No longer caged and penned up,
They're going to keep their end up
Till the khaki soldier boys come marching back.

HAYLEY
There's the motor girl who drives a heavy van,
There's the butcher girl who brings your joint of meat,
There's the girl who cries 'All fares, please!' like a man,
And the girl who whistles taxis up the street.
Beneath each uniform
Beats a heart that's soft and warm,
Though of canny mother-wit they show no lack;
But a solemn statement this is,
They've no time for love and kisses
Till the khaki soldier-boys come marching back.

TEANA As the two female school captains we hope to embrace the spirit of these women by being courageous, resilient and inspiring for future generations.

Senior Secondary

2019 Next Step survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual statewide survey of all students who completed Year 12 in 2018. The Next Step survey is a brief, confidential survey that gains a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school completers in the year after they finish Year 12.

Between March and June, all our students who completed Year 12 last year can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of the Next Step survey in 2019.

Further information on Next Step is available online via the link below or on toll free telephone 1800 068 587.

NAPLAN

What does NAPLAN assess and why is the test moving to an online format?

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy – important skills that each child needs to succeed in school and life. If your child is in Year 3, 5, 7 or 9 this year, they will be participating in NAPLAN tests for reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy. The NAPLAN tests are designed to help us make sure students are on track with their literacy and numeracy development over time.

This year, between 14 and 24 May, our school will be doing NAPLAN Online. All schools are moving to NAPLAN Online by 2020 as the online assessment provides more accurate information about what students know and can do. Feedback from schools that have undertaken the NAPLAN assessment online was that students generally find the online assessment engaging.

Students with disability

NAPLAN Online includes audio and visual alternative questions, including colour themes, that may be suitable for some students with disability. All questions are also keyboard accessible. The Guide for schools to assist students with disability to access NAPLAN Online provides an overview of the process that our teachers, in consultation with parents and carers, will follow to assist students with disability.

ICT skills are part of the school curriculum

Students do not need to be computer experts to take the NAPLAN test online. Making sure students have computers skills is part of our school curriculum, and our teachers will ensure your child is familiar with the online format.

To see the types of questions and interactive features of NAPLAN Online, try out the tests on the public demonstration site, available on the NAP website.

Test integrity

To ensure test security and prevent student access to the internet and spell-check applications during NAPLAN Online, a locked-down browser will be installed to each student’s device.

Key features of a tailored test

Your child will be doing NAPLAN Online this year. One of the main features of NAPLAN Online is that it is a tailored (or adaptive) test.

The NAPLAN Online tests adapt to student responses, presenting questions that may be easier or more difficult, to better assess the student’s ability.

Students should not be concerned if they think that the questions are more difficult than expected – this may simply mean that they are taking a more challenging but more appropriate pathway.

This ‘tailored testing’ approach means that a wider range of student abilities can be tested (compared with the paper approach, where all students answer exactly the same questions).

How tailored testing contributes to more precise results

Tailored testing also provides more accurate information about what students know and can do, which, alongside other assessment information that teachers have, can help inform teaching and learning.

Your child’s NAPLAN result will be based on the number and difficulty of questions he or she has answered correctly.

Regardless of whether students complete the test online and or on paper, they are assessed on the same underlying literacy and numeracy skills taught through the curriculum content, and results are reported on the same NAPLAN assessment scale.

Many of the same questions appear in both paper and online tests, which helps with the comparability of results. NAPLAN results should always be interpreted with care. Your child’s teacher will have the best insight into your child’s progress.

Find out all about NAPLAN’s move online:

NAPLAN is a moment-in-time assessment of student skills in literacy and numeracy.

The demo tests are for students to try out the complete range of question formats available in NAPLAN Online.

NAPLAN Online is a tailored test that adapts to responses made by a student. As students progress through the tests, they will be presented with questions that may be easier or more difficult.

Junior Secondary

We are proud to say that our Junior school students are excelling in all areas. Attendance rates are exceptionally high and we appreciate the time you take to inform us of your child’s absences.

Year 7’s ‘get to know you’ camp was a success as the leadership qualities and teamwork of our Year 7 cohort shone through.

Junior Social

Pumping music, dancing kids and thrilling games! What a night the junior school disco was. Friday night March 1, the Year 7s, 8s and 9s were eager for the front doors of the ISC to open, waiting in anticipation to see what the evening would bring. As students were entering, a flood of Disney costumes emerged. There were fairies, princesses, pirates, Mad Hatters and a Queen of Hearts.

Great games and competitions were held and tasty chocolate prizes were won. The night was a huge success for the Student Parliament and was tons of fun for both the junior school and the students and teachers helping. Be sure to come along to the next one!

NAPLAN

NAPLAN is fast approaching, our Year Seven cohort will be participating online this year. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Dean JS Samantha West.

Accountability

Accountability is high as all students adhere to our school wide policies and procedures. It is important to ensure that your child has the correct equipment ready each day. There are supplies available to those students that are unable to access their own supplies. This is also the case for uniform. If you know that your child does not have the correct uniform please utilise the uniform bank at the library before school to change. Your support is appreciated. Teamwork is evident as we see the collaboration between school staff and caregivers ensuring that every student succeeds. Together we succeed.

The junior secondary team works collaboratively to support all students and we encourage you to contact us with any concerns or questions. We are often asked who parents and caregivers should contact when they need to communicate with the school. Your child’s care class teacher is available to assist you with many enquiries and are often able to point you in the right direction. The care class teacher’s email addresses are available on the school website.

If you wish to speak with your child’s year level coordinator, this can be achieved by email or by calling the general school phone number 49251333.

Year 8 Co-Ordinator – Andrew Willis awill167@eq.edu.au
Dean of Junior School (Years 7 & 8) - Samantha West swest191@eq.edu.au

Samantha West
Dean of Junior School (Years 7 & 8)

From the P & C

P & C meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7.00pm, in the BOD Hall. All welcome.

P&C pandc@yeppoonshs.eq.edu.au
P&C President pandcpresident@yeppoonshs.eq.edu.au

From Admin

QParents is here!

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians of Queensland state school students to interact with their child’s school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child’s student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

QParents won’t replace the traditional ways you communicate with our school, but it will provide another way to communicate with us.

More information about QParents can be found via the link below.

Semester 1, 2019 Course and Assessment Planners

Students have been emailed a copy of their Course and Assessment Planners for Semester 1, 2019.It is recommended these documents are saved and printed for regular reference.

Students can access their email from school or home via the link below

Students can also access their Course and Assessment Planners through One School.

Parents can access Assessment Planners through the QParents app.

Tutoring Schedule Semester 1 2019

BYOx in 2019

Participation in the BYOx program at YSHS is voluntary, however we encourage as many families as possible to become involved. If you are interested in providing this opportunity for your student in 2019 then visit our website for more details.

Any questions regarding the BYOx program can be emailed to 2123_BYOx@eq.edu.au

From the Guidance Officers

eSafety Presentations

Whilst the internet has given us instant access to many valuable resources and information, there are dangers to be aware of, and that is why YSHS have organised for Brett Lee to present valuable internet safety information to our school community on Monday 20 May 2019.

Brett Lee is a former detective who has worked as a Queensland Police Officer for 22 years; 16 of which was as a detective in the field of Child Exploitation.

Brett will be able to tell us more about his experiences that have given him the motivation and the passion to work in this critical area of Internet Safety.

Parents/Carers are invited to attend the eSafety presentation session being held at
Yeppoon State High School Library
Monday 20 May 2019
3:30pm – 4:30pm

TEEN AGGRESSION AND RETHINKING SCREENTIME

This is an interactive professional’s workshop for those supporting families negatively impacted by teen aggression and/or screen/gaming addiction

FREE full day workshop!

May 27th
Registration from 8.30am
Start 9am sharp – finish around 2.30pm
CentacareCQ
16 Bolsover St near the corner of North St.

Refreshments provided. Please indicate special dietary requirements.

Presenter: Mandy is the only psychologist in QLD and one of eleven in Australia certified by the Child Trauma Academy in Houston, Texas which developed the world-renowned Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics.

• Qualified and registered, award winning psychologist
• 15 years clinical experience
• Train the Teacher Certified
• Forensic Social Assessment ‘s Court Report Writer
• Reg 7 Report Writer for Federal Circuit Court of Aust

• Co-Director of NDIS company providing plan management and assessments

Preparation

Attendees are required to undertake pre-workshop preparation, including readings and a short pre-quiz and post-quiz. This preparation means that you can then come to the workshop with an understanding of the underlying theory and principles of the information being taught

Topic

Teen aggression and screen and gaming addiction are on the rise in our community. This workshop will provide information and tools to assist workers support families struggling to cope.

Content:

• Why kids need limits – even teens
• Adolescent stages of development
• Techno-tantrums
• Differential diagnosis – considering other causes for displays of aggression
• Current research
• Determining healthy limits
• Practical tips that explore a range of options for aggression, regardless of the cause

To register please contact sandypaton@bigpond.com

Queensland Youth Engagement Hub (eHub)

The Queensland Youth Engagement Hub (eHub) is a safe online space where you can have your say.

It’s a place for you to voice your opinions, submit your ideas, win prizes and help inform Queensland Government youth policies and programs.

The eHub is a way for you to get involved in planning and decision-making for young Queenslanders.

Your opinion matters, so be heard.

Get on the eHub now.

Student Exchange Experiences

World Education Program Australia - WEP Student Exchange Impact Scholarship Available!

Apply for WEP’s Impact Scholarship and bring your dream of a high school student exchange closer! This scholarship can be applied to a semester or year student exchange program to many of WEP’s 27 countries, departing between January-March 2020. For more information and to apply go to the link below or text ‘EXCHANGE’ to 0428 246 633.

From Vocational Education

The Smith Family Certificate I in Financial Service course

Enrolments are being taken from students in Year 10 – 12 in The Smith Family Certificate I in Financial Service course. The course is being delivered at Yeppoon High School and is free to participating students.

For more information, please see the attached flyer or contact Heather Sanders 4925 1333

From the Youth Workers

@ the Library

Read more in May!

May is Scholastic National family reading month. Every year during National Family reading month, Scholastic holds an exciting reading challenge as part of the celebration. Students can join the Read more in May challenge! Read for at least 10 minutes every day in May, and colour in the pages on the Reading Log to show their reading progress. Sign up via the link below to enter you and your teacher in the draw. Entries close 7 June 2019. Students need to keep their Reading Log in a handy place as proof of participation in case they are drawn as a winner!

NSS – National simultaneous storytime

NSS is held on Wednesday 22 May. This year’s title is Matt Cosgrove’s Alpacas with maracas.

Access to digital textbooks

Students in years 7 – 11, who have returned their 2019 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) form have access to Campion My Connect.

There are just 3 steps to get the MyConnect app set up:

1. Download the MyConnect app. Click here to select the appropriate MyConnect app for the device (e.g. iPad, Android, Windows, &Mac)
2. Open the app and log in with your details below:
   Username: (USERNAME)@eq.edu.au
   Password: YeppoonSHS1960
   Once you have logged in to your MyConnect app, purchased eTexts will be displayed in the MyConnect bookshelf.
3. Tap each eText to download the content, so they are ready to use.

Library Catalogue

All students have 24/7 access to Oliver v5 (library catalogue) below

Students can also use Oliver to search ClickView by selecting <Search other sources>

Students have access to ClickView Online (Digital educational resources) via the link below. Students will need internet access & use their school logon & password for access.

If you are unsure how to access any of these, please see library staff for assistance.

EQ eBooks digital library

If your student has onboarded their BYOx device - then they have access to the EQ eBook digital library at eBooks Digital Library

Check your student’s school email for access info!

As part of BYOx, students can borrow eBooks from the eBooks Digital Library until 31 December 2019. To login, open the link in your student’s email, and enter their Department username (MISID): e.g. fjoha2

The eBooks Digital Library contains over 31,000 eBooks, audiobooks and videos, including fiction and non-fiction reading material for students, which can be borrowed and read 24/7 at home, at school, on PC, laptop or mobile device.

Please see library staff for further assistance.

Helen Johansen
Teacher Librarian

From Our International Students

Homestay Families Wanted!

Every year Yeppoon State High School welcomes 20 students and 2 teachers from Wako Kokusai High School, Yeppoon State High School’s sister school, in Japan. This visit is a very important cultural event for our school as it brings together our Japanese sister school, our local schools, and the wider Yeppoon community. During their stay the students attended classes at YSHS, Yeppoon Primary School and St Ursula’s College to experience Australian school life.

The program is rewarding for the entire school community as we try to teach our students to be culturally tolerant and encourage them to learn about the world outside of Yeppoon.

Our host families are paramount to the success of the program and we are now seeking families who might be interested in hosting a student from 26 July to 6 August. It is an excellent opportunity for our students to make friends with someone from another country and learn about other cultures.

As a host family, you would be provided with financial assistance to cover the cost of hosting your student. You are required to provide three meals a day (including a packed lunch) and arrange transport to and from school. It is preferable for students to have their own room in your home, but this is not essential.

If you are interested in being a part of this wonderful program, or would like some more information, please contact Kylie Johnstone on 4925 1355 or 4925 1350 or kjohn547@eq.edu.au

From the HPE DepartmentARTICLE: From the Science Department

Year 11 Biology

Students were in for a rare insight into the inner workings of the heart. There was the opportunity to dissect Bovine (cow), Porcine (pig) and Ovine (sheep) hearts for those who could stomach it! Working out where the vena cava and pulmonary vein pump into the atriums can be tricky, as well as where the aorta and pulmonary artery pump out from the ventricles.

Dissection involves the careful removal of surrounding fat and tissue and opening to see the septum which separates the two halves of the heart. All animals were killed humanly and ethically from our reputable supplier in Bundaberg. Another example of the wonderful opportunities in YSHS Science program under the guidance of Ms Fleming and Mrs Yore. Next term year 11 Biology students will be dissecting rats and plucks stay tuned…..doctors and vets in the making?

From The Arts

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University State Honours Ensemble Program - Middle School - Rockhampton 2019.

Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program has grown from relatively modest beginnings in 2001 to now include more than 3000 participants in twelve programs throughout Queensland. SHEP is now a firmly established aspect of music learning in Queensland, bringing together young people from all over the State, in regional centres and Brisbane to share their passion for making music.

Professor Scott Harrison, Director Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University commented that Conductors and Staff in attendance acknowledged how much YSHS students accomplished, both musically and socially, as participants and that they look forward to seeing their growth in the coming years. He also stated that our students represented our school admirably and that we should be very proud of their commitment, achievements and attitude.

Congratulations to:

Peta McAllister
Acting HoD Arts

DATE CLAIMERS

YSHS CONTACT DETAILS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month

Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month is held during May each year to raise community awareness and promote a clear message that domestic and family violence will not be tolerated in our communities.

How to get help

In an emergency call the police on triple zero (000).

DVConnect Womensline

Phone: 1800 811 811 - 24 hours, 7 days a week
Womensline helps women to obtain safe refuge accommodation, confidential counselling and referral to other services.

DVConnect Mensline

Phone: 1800 600 636 - 9am to midnight, 7 days a week
Mensline provides confidential counselling, information and referral to men affected by domestic and family violence.

Kids Helpline

Phone: 1800 55 1800 - 24 hours, 7 days per week

Lifeline

Phone: 13 11 14 - 24 hour Crisis Counselling Line

YEPPOON SEAGULLS JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUE

U14 & U17 GIRLS COMPETITION STARTING SOON!!

PLACES STILL AVAILABLE ON BOTH TEAMS - REGISTER TO PLAY NOW VIA:

All new players will need to provide their birth certificate - Get in the Game Vouchers are accepted.

Training on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm at Barmaryee Multi Sports Precinct.

If you have any questions regarding registration, please phone our Registrar Tash Pattel on 0419664782 or email us at yeppoonjrl@hotmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June 2019

Where curiosity meets inspiration

The inaugural Capricorn Coast Writers Festival aims to foster the importance of books and reading by engaging nationally and internationally recognised authors, while providing opportunities for local literary talent to speak, grow, learn and shine.

The festival program is set to inspire writers and readers alike with author panels and talks, workshops and book signings at locations central to the Yeppoon town centre.

Join with us as we celebrate literary endeavour and embrace inspiration at the first ever Capricorn Coast Writers Festival.

If you would like more information on the festival, sponsorship or volunteering opportunities contact us through:

Facebook: capricorncoastwritersfestival or by email info@capricorncoastwritersfestival.com

Keppel Bay Karate-do and Aikido

KARATE: traditional karate and Sports karate. (Free fighting techniques and sparring)

AIKIDO: techniques include joint locks, throws, takedowns, tumbles, flexibility and agility training, including weapons, Bokken (wooden sward) and Jo (timber staff) training.

Karate 6 years to Adults
Tuesdays 4 to 6 pm

Aikido 12 years to Adults
Tuesdays 6.15 to 7.15p.
Thursdays 4 to 5 pm
High school students 4 to 6 pm

St Ursula's Collage Hall,
Queen St Yeppoon.
Text sensei Robi for information 0427016767

GET YOUR YAY ON

Youth Arts Yeppoon is a not for profit organisation aimed at providing opportunities for youth and the greater community to engage in the arts through monthly artist run workshops. The workshops run on the third Sunday of the month at the St Brendan’s College Art House Facility where the focus is on skill building and enjoyment.

Each month a different local artist introduces their own art practice through demonstration and guiding participants to produce their own resolved artwork.

The workshops run from 10am to 3pm with an hour lunch break though participants are able to continue working if they wish. All materials are included in the $40 fee. Some workshops are reduced to $20 for school-aged participants.

All details of each workshop are listed on Youth Arts Yeppoon Facebook page and their website along with a booking link for each workshop. Numbers are limited to ensure everybody gets individual direction during the workshops.

Contact YAY Coordinator Lee-Ann Handley on 0458 755 249 for further details.

BREASTSCREEN APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

BreastScreen Rockhampton has a huge number of appointments available.

There are lots of out of hour’s appointments available – early mornings, late afternoons and some Saturdays.

If you are over 40 and haven’t had a mammogram in the last 2 years, call 13 20 50 to make your appointment.