Newsletter - November 2024

Important Dates

From the Principal

Dr Robyn Burton-Ree - Principal

As we approach the end of another successful year at Wellington Point State High School, it is a time to celebrate achievements, reflect on the journey, and look forward to the future.

Farewell to the Class of 2024

On Friday, 15th November, we said farewell to our Year 12 cohort. To the Class of 2024, congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your educational journey. On behalf of everyone at Wellington Point State High School, we extend our best wishes as you step into the next chapter of your lives.

We are immensely proud of the contributions you have made to our school community and are confident that your time here has equipped you to be lifelong learners and responsible global citizens. To our parents, carers, teachers, friends, and families – thank you for your unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication in championing our students throughout their high school years.

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Celebrating Success Across Year Levels

Our Year 10 and 11 students have also wrapped up their final exams for the year and are now on holidays. Congratulations on your hard work and perseverance.

In Week 10, we look forward to celebrating the Year 9 Graduation. This important occasion marks the completion of junior schooling and the exciting transition into senior school.

End-of-Year Arrangements

For Year 7, 8, and 9 students, an alternative program will run from Wednesday, 4th December, until Friday, 13th December, which is the last day of the school year.

As we close the year, we wish all our families a safe and happy holiday season. School will resume on Tuesday, 28th January, for Year 7 and 12 students, and Wednesday, 29th January, for Years 8, 9, 10, and 11.

We are excited to welcome our incoming Year 7 cohort and new staff and students to our school community in the new year.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout 2024. We look forward to another year of learning, growth, and success at Wellington Point State High School.

In Partnership

Dr Robyn Burton-Ree

From the Deputy Principal - Years 11 & 12

Deanne Wallwork - Deputy Principal - Senior School

Responsibilities:

• Year 11 and 12 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
• Senior Curriculum
• Timetabling and Academic Reporting
• Curriculum, Teaching & Learning

As the year draws to a close, I would like to thank the school community for assisting students to realise their potential and be the ‘best version of themselves that they can be’. It ‘takes a village to raise a child’ and the support of parents can’t be underestimated in assisting students through High School and into the world of tertiary education and work. This year will be remembered for the many, and significant achievements of students and for the indelible mark that they have left on our school community. Relationships that are forged between students and between students and staff are important to us, and we encourage graduating students to continue to be part of our Wello school community.

We are eagerly awaiting Year 12 results and ATAR scores and QCE certificates that will be issued by QCAA in December. The School Dux and our highest ATAR score achievers will be acknowledged at the Investiture assembly early next year. Many University bound students have already received, and accepted early round offers into tertiary education and we are on track to achieve 100% QCE/QCAA attainment. We are proud to be one few local schools that continue to be a Registered Training Organisation, offering a suite of certificate courses that is integrated in our regular timetables and have a Senior Tracking team that works closely with students to support them through their high school journey.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, let us also look forward to the opportunities and possibilities that the new year will bring. Moving forward, we are excited to work with our 2025 Year 12 students who return on January 28. This is a milestone day for our Year 12 students who are photographed as a group (in formal uniform) for Graduation and other assembly events. Our 2025 school captains, Alistair, Cameron, Nikita and Sophie are excited for the year ahead and the legacy that they leave for the school. Year 12 students will receive Senior badges on 10 February during the Investiture assembly. Parents are welcomed to attend.   

To assist parents with the planning for 2025 Stationery lists, SRS fee information and a flyer summarising starting dates and other key information for 2025 was emailed on 25 November. For Year 7 to 9 students, Report Cards will be issued on 6 December and Year 10 reports were issued on 25 November. Confirmed subject selections have been posted on Noticeboards and checked with students throughout this term and timetables will be provided to students on the first day of school. They will also be available in One School prior to school commencing.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday.

Taylor Blinco - Year 11 Coordinator

As the year wraps up, I am incredibly proud of our Year 11 students and all they’ve achieved this year. This cohort has shown remarkable growth, resilience, and dedication, both academically and in their personal development. As they prepare to transition into Year 12 in 2025, we are excited to see them continue to rise as leaders within our school community.

The leadership skills they’ve developed throughout this year will serve them well as they take on greater responsibilities and challenges in their final year.

To celebrate their hard work, Year 11 students ended the year with the Aqua Splash Rewards Day. Despite the wet weather, it was a well-deserved opportunity to have some fun and bond after a busy year.

Congratulations, Year 11! Thank you for the last four years allowing me to serve as your year coordinator, it has been my absolute pleasure watching you grow into thoughtful, intelligent and kind young people.

I’m proud of all you’ve achieved and know that you’ll continue to do great things in Year 12 and beyond. Thank you for letting me be part of your journey. 

From the Deputy Principal - Years 9 & 10

Penny Westcott - Deputy Principal - Middle Phase

Responsibilities:

• Year 9 and 10 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
• New & Beginning Teachers
• Differentiation and Inclusion
• NAPLAN

Chloe Prior - Year 10 Coordinator

Congratulations to the Year 10 cohort of 2024! Finishing Year 10 is a significant achievement and a moment to celebrate all the hard work, growth, and memories you’ve created. This milestone marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of exciting new opportunities ahead. Whether the next chapter involves continuing here for Year 11 & 12, entering the workforce, or pursuing studies elsewhere, I wish you every success. Embrace the opportunities ahead, stay true to your values, smile always and remember every star shines a little different.

It has been an absolute privilege to serve as your Year Coordinator, guiding and supporting you from the beginning of Year 8 to the conclusion of Year 10. Watching you grow, learn, and navigate these pivotal years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

To our parents and caregivers, thank you for all of your support over the past three years. Your involvement, encouragement, and trust have been instrumental in helping your children succeed. This year marks my final one as their Year Coordinator as in 2025 they are moving to a Dean of students model.  Additionally, I will be transferring to a new school next year, embarking on the next chapter of my own career. While I am excited for what lies ahead, it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to this wonderful community. I will dearly miss our Year 10 students and all the memories we’ve made together.

One of the highlights of this term was undoubtedly the Semi-Formal. The weather held off, and it was a spectacular evening! From the popular photo booth, to the non-stop dancing and even a lively round of limbo, it was heart-warming to see everyone enjoying themselves and celebrating in style. It was a night filled with laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories – the perfect way to mark the end of this chapter.

Thank you for the joy, challenges, and growth you’ve brought into my life. It has been an honour to be a part of your journey and look forward to hearing all about the next chapters.

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Kim Sharkey - Year 9 Coordinator

We are delighted to invite parents, caregivers and families to the Year 9 Junior Graduation Ceremony, a significant occasion celebrating the achievements of our Year 9 students as they prepare to transition into the Senior School.

This Graduation Ceremony will be held on Monday 2nd December at 9:00 am in the MPS. This special event marks an important milestone for our students as they transition into the Senior School.

Following the ceremony, we warmly invite you to join us for morning tea to continue the celebration and share in this proud moment for our students and their families.

It has been an absolute privilege to witness the journey of our Year 9 students this year. Their achievements are a testament to their dedication and determination, and we couldn’t be more proud of all they have accomplished.

We look forward to seeing you at this memorable event as we honour our Year 9 students and celebrate the beginning of an exciting new chapter in their educational journey.

From the Deputy Principal - Years 7 & 8

Anton Lombardo - Deputy Principal - Junior Phase

Responsibilities:

• Year 7 and 8 performance, tracking, attendance & behaviour
• School Community Partnerships
• Student Support Services
• Positive Culture for Learning

Stephanie Griffin - Year 8 Coordinator

As we move into the warmer months, it’s important that our students are prepared for the heat. Please remind your child to bring a water bottle, wear their hat during breaks, and apply sunscreen each morning. Staying hydrated and sun-safe ensures they can focus on their learning and enjoy their day.

This time of year also brings the final stretch of assessments. To help your child stay on track, please encourage them to check their assessment planner on OneSchool and ensure they’re submitting all tasks on time. For additional support, BASE (Homework Club) runs every Monday and Thursday after school and is a great opportunity for students to work on assignments, receive assistance, and develop study skills.

Students will be participating in the PAT-R (Reading) and PAT-M (Mathematics) testing on Monday and Tuesday of Week 10 (December 2nd and 3rd). These online tests, which they completed at the beginning of the year, will help us track their progress and growth over the year. The results provide valuable data that guides our teaching, allowing us to tailor instruction, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that all students are progressing in key learning areas.

A huge thank you to everyone who has returned permission notes for our Rewards Day. This promises to be an exciting day filled with fun activities as we celebrate the efforts and achievements of our students this year.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you to all parents and carers who are ensuring their children are attending school every day. Regular attendance is crucial for success, and we appreciate your ongoing support in prioritising education.

From the Business Manager

Glenys Brown - Business Manager

Responsibilities:

• Human Resources
• Finance Management
• Facilities Management
• Infrastructure

Student Resource Scheme and Stationary Lists

Wellington Point State High School is committed to providing the best possible resources to support student learning and the most effective way to do this is through the provision of a Student Resource Scheme (SRS).

The purpose of the scheme is to provide parents/caregivers with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing textbooks, resources, consumables and materials from elsewhere through reduced prices gained from the school's bulk purchasing processes. The benefit for parents is that it is one upfront fee that can be budgeted for, students are then able to access a full range of resources throughout the year. This scheme also offers the teachers the flexibility and opportunity to access a wide variety of up to date and current resources, materials and text made possible through this scheme to provide innovative curriculum and powerful learning.

The scheme has the approval of the school's P&C Association. Participation in the Resource scheme is voluntary.

Payment Options

Invoices are emailed to the email address provided, please ensure this is kept up to date. Our payment methods are Qparents/Bpoint (preferred), EFTPOS (Credit/Debit Card), Cash or Centrepay instalments.

If paid in full by Friday 14^th February 2025, the school will apply a 5% discount as a credit on your account.

For further information about what is included in the Resource Scheme and a breakdown of fees, please visit our website.

Senior Schooling

Career advice, career counselling and support after school closes

As the class of 2024 celebrates graduation and ATAR results become known, you should review your preferences and pathways. There can be confusion around scores and the new opportunities, they present. Options Career Information offers one-on-one, in person or online sessions for parents and students to ensure you have all the facts when it comes to ATAR, QTAC and your career options and pathways after high school. You can email info@optionscareers.com.au for more information and to book a session.  

Something to think about

“Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.” – Paulo Coelho

Pre-apprenticeship courses through TAFE Queensland

Pre-apprenticeship training is an entry-level Certificate. It is made up of traditional classroom learning on a TAFE campus as well as hands-on work experience. Doing a pre-apprenticeship course has many advantages including:

• Helping you gain skills and a basic understanding of the job and industry
• Improving your chances of gaining an apprenticeship as an employer is more likely to take on someone who has some knowledge of the industry and the basic skills required
• Saving time on your apprenticeship, as part of the first stage of apprenticeship training is completed within the pre-apprenticeship course.

If you are interested in starting a full-time pre-apprenticeship course in January 2025 you can click here for a list of pre-apprenticeship courses on offer at SkillsTech along with application information. You may have completed some pre-apprenticeship courses at school so see your VET Coordinator or Guidance Officer.

Defence Information Sessions in November and December

• Below are the ADF information sessions for November and December with further information found on their Facebook site or by visiting their events webpage. The events are:
• 10/12/2024 - Brisbane Army Reserve Information Session

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Are you wanting to gain practical work-related skills or a qualification towards a specific occupation? Explore a range of VET programs as they offer flexible, targeted training options and can also lead to university.

Where to find information about jobs

• myfuture website - Sign up for free if this is your first time on the website. Go to the Occupations section and search for your job of interest.
• Jobs and Skills Australia provides occupational information including job prospects and information about your local labour market.
• The Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides information on Skills and Training, Employment and Workplace Relations.
• The Australian Government - Jobs and Skills Australia - The 2023 Skills Priority List 
• Australian Jobs 2023 provides an overview of trends in the Australian labour market.  

Some cautions:

• Fast growth within an occupation does not guarantee more job opportunities because the number of people seeking work may outnumber the job openings.
• Even occupations with declining job prospects can offer job opportunities as people move across jobs.
• It is always difficult to accurately predict long term job prospects. 

Consequently, when you are making career decisions, a job's prospect is just one piece of information you need to consider. Other information includes your interests, skills, values, aspirations, work preferences, education and training requirements.

2025 QUT Business and Law high school competitions

You can learn what it’s like to solve real business problems or argue cases in front of Judges by participating in one of QUT’s high school competitions. Register to receive more information on BlueShift, the QUT Accounting Challenge, and the High school moot competition in 2025. 

ABS Labour Force Data - September 2024

The Australian Bureau of Statistics have released the Labour Force Data for September 2024:

• Unemployment rate remained at 4.1%
• Employment increased to 14,514,300
• Underemployment rate remained at 6.4%
• Participation rate increased to 67.2%
• Employment to population ratio remained at 64.4%
• Monthly hours worked increased to 1,965 million

Emerging Roles

Emerging roles refer to those that have appeared in the Australian job market data for the first time in recent years or are growing quickly from a small base. They have identified these roles using job titles, skill requirements and other job attributes from online job advertisements and have validated them against Census of Population and Housing 2021 data to create comprehensive profiles. Job Skills Australia has identified 37 emerging roles and four main themes:

• Health, Care and Medical e.g. health tech, medical tech 
• Data and Technologies e.g. cybersecurity
• Net Zero e.g. sustainability, clean energy
• Science and Engineering e.g. biological and chemical science, engineering

Click here to find out more

Occupational and Industry Profiles

You can explore the latest trends and insights into Australia’s job market by occupation and industry. Click here to find out more about:

• Industries - Information is available on each of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) industries 
• Occupations - Information is available on over 1200 occupations. Data available includes employment size, key demographics, median earnings, tasks and educational attainment

Skill Up, Change Up with Fee-Free TAFE

Leaving school, looking for work? TAFE Queensland have a range of Fee-Free TAFE courses to get you started. Through Fee-Free TAFE, the Australian Government in partnership with states and territories are providing 480,000 Fee-Free TAFE places between 2023 and 2026 with an additional 20,000 places in the construction sector places in 2025. There are up to 5,000 pre-apprenticeship places to be delivered in partnership with states and territories from January 2025. Click here for more information including:

• What is Fee-Free TAFE
• What you can study
• When you can study
• Enrolment information
• First Nations peoples

Skills for getting a job – full-time/part-time/casual

The following are resources you can access to help you gain the skills you need for your job search:

• Applying for a Job - the Youth Central website has information and examples for developing a resume and writing cover letters as well as other tips to help you get a job and more.
• I’m looking for a job - the Job Jumpstart website has information on most job search strategy. It can help you build your resume.
• Ready to explore - visit the Seek website to check out for tips on job search. Seek also has a job search function.
• Job Search - click here to find jobs that are currently available
• Career Advice the Careerone - their website has useful tips on job hunting, interview preparation, resumes and job interviews.
• Apprenticeship or traineeship the Queensland Apprenticeship Info - their website has ideas on how to gain an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• Apprenticeship Central - their website has a job search function specifically for apprenticeships.

The Parents and Guardian’ Guide to education, training and work opportunities for young people

The Parents and Guardians' Guide to education, training and work opportunities for young people summarises the resources and information available to help you explore all the education, training and work options available to your young person. Parents and Guardian’s Guide has also been translated into additional languages. The School Leavers Information Kit contains more details and is designed for your young person to help them navigate their post school options.

What jobs can you do with a Bachelor of Science?

The University of Queensland has put together some information about career pathways leading from a Degree in Science. Whether you want to develop a new beverage rich in vitamins or transform complex data into actionable insights for some of the world’s biggest tech innovators, a Science Degree will give you the knowledge and skills to achieve your career dreams. Even if you’re unsure which area of science you’re most interested in, the following snapshots will help you find a little direction. Click here and discover what opportunities are open to you:

• Food chemist
• Bioinformatician
• Data scientist
• Marine biologist

Who can help you find a job? - Great question!

Looking for a job can be frustrating, especially when you don’t have much experience in the workforce. But you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re looking for paid work, an apprenticeship or traineeship or work experience, there is a range of support available to you. Click here to read more about the following options:

• Find your next job
• Australian Apprenticeships Support Network providers
• Career counsellor or Guidance Officers
• Family and friends
• Recruiting agencies

2024 School Leavers' Guide to Jobs and Training

The 2024 School Leavers' Guide to Jobs and Training is now available here. In this guide you can find information about:

• Tools and resources to explore career options
• Vocational training and further study
• Subsidised training and incentives
• Industry specific career exploration
• Assistance with finding a job
• Gain on the job experience
• Mental and physical wellbeing support for young people
• Support for young people with cancer
• Youth Employment Program
• Preparing for work
• My future, My choice videos
• Link and Launch
• Support for young people living out of home
• Glossary

LEAP

Our innovative Year 8 LEAP students have designed and created a thriving ecosystem for the fishpond outside the Science block. With some rainbow fish and eel-tailed catfish now calling it home, this deep learning project brings to life the ecology unit they've been exploring in class.

Resource Centre

Clearance for 2024

We have changed the clearance process for students and they no longer have to complete a form, HOWEVER, they are still required to return all borrowed texts to the library, once they have completed their exam/assessment for that subject, to avoid being invoiced. 

Year 7, 8 and 9 students should have returned all borrowed texts by Monday, 25^th of November.

Year 10 students should have returned their texts by Friday, 15^th of November.

If students are unable to find their text/s, then they must see us immediately in the library to discuss the matter.  If you are invoiced for the book but it is at home, students just need to return the book, and the invoice will be removed. 

We thank the Year 11 and 12 students who ALL returned their texts this year.  We are hoping that this success continues with the junior years too. 

We appreciate your support with this matter.  Remember, as J.K. Rowling says, 'When in doubt go to the library.'

Chess Excursions

On Thursday 7^th of November 9 students, from Years 7 through to 11, along with Ms Tarla Grist and Ms Pip Forsyth ventured to Calamvale Community College for an individual champion, interschool Chess competition. Gardiner Chess organised the event and the event is attended by hundreds of students from both private and state schools.  

Ms Forsyth and Ms Grist both were extremely proud of our students as they exhibited all of the school values, for the entire trip and event. They had to travel approximately two hours each way in order to compete and all students’ behaviour was exemplary (not one student complained).

For this reason, Ms Tarla organised a cake (fresh banana cake) and cordial to celebrate Chess morning tea. Students shared what their favourite part of the day was and a number of them said, ‘I enjoyed travelling to and from the event’. Others, enjoyed the friendly competition and winning some games. One student loved that they improved from the last competition, so that is cool that they are given these rewarding experiences, where they are able to expand their knowledge. 

On this note, we have been kindly invited to Redlands College on Wednesday 4^th of December to compete in a mini chess tournament organised by Gardiner Chess.  What’s fabulous to see is that we have such dedicated chess players, that some students from Years 10 and 11, who are on holidays are going to join us, along with the fantastic students in Years 7-9. Best of luck students and enjoy competing, doing our Wello community proud.

Thank you and have a lovely safe break!

So many reasons to be grateful and to have a heart full of cheer.  

Take care all and I can’t wait to see you using the Resource Centre again in 2025.

Giving Back Project

As a part of the Welfare program's Giving Back Project,  8C1 visited a Childcare Centre and facilitated a number of activities, such as: playing in the sand, the volcano experiment, tiggy, 'What's the time Mr Wolf', building blocks, painting much more.  All students did a fantastic job and Mrs Emerson is very proud of them!

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Economics and Business

In Week 7, our Year 9 students showcased their entrepreneurial spirit at Market Day! This immersive deep learning experience had students running their own small businesses, putting their skills in Human Resources, finance, marketing, and operations to the test. The goal? Not just making a profit, but making a difference, as proceeds are donated to charities chosen by the students themselves. We’re so proud of the creativity, teamwork, and dedication shown by everyone involved. Great job, Year 9!

Tourism

Year 11 Tourism students had the fantastic opportunity of engaging with Adriana Campbell the National Sales Leader & Head of School Partnerships at Flight Centre Travel Academy today in an online career and study information session related to their Tourism Studies. Students were appreciative of the information and study opportunities shared. Adrianna was impressed with our students saying they were engaged and asking great questions!

Food and Design Technology

Year 10 Food Design and Technology students have been studying an introduction to Hospitality this term as a potential future study and employment pathway. Students had to demonstrate teamwork and produce and serve a morning tea event for the other Year 10 class to enjoy. The competition was strong!

International Student Program

The International Student Program is a distinctive feature of our school.  It provides the opportunity for students from across the globe to attend Wellington Point State High School furthering their studies, learning about Australian culture, and improving their language skills. For most of these students English is a second language and one that is difficult to learn. These students are hosted by local families for the duration of their stay, being remunerated to cover expenses.  

Global understanding is fostered through interaction with students from differing cultural backgrounds. As citizens of a global community, our school is enriched by the cultural interchange offered by this program.

We have had the pleasure of hosting eight ISP students this year. Sofie from Denmark and Annik who is Swiss, returned home at the end of Semester 1.

Mayo, from Japan joined us for term 3 in year 10.

Jolene is German, in year 11 and she will remain with us until the end of term 2 next year.

Naomi who is from a tiny island in the Pacific Ocean, Nauru speaks Nauruan and is in year 9 . She will be with us until graduation in year 12. After one year with us she has already become an integral member of our school community.

This week we are sad to farewell Sota, who is Japanese and spent his year with us in year 10. He is a bass guitar player and loved all things Aussie. Tommy and Giorgio, both from Italy embraced the Australian way of life, learning to surf at Straddie on weekends and were very popular with students making friends easily.

Each of these students have made their own mark on us all.  Our students and staff have embraced them wholeheartedly, enjoying learning about their cultures and schooling.

If you are interested in hosting one of our International students and being a part of this rewarding experience. please email the ISP team on ISPHomestay@wellingtonpointshs.eq.edu.au

Become a Host Family

Free Driving Lessons

If you have not yet got your Drivers License and would like to do some FREE driving lessons then this Link and Launch offer is for you!

Available to all current Yr 12 students and all students (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) that have graduated yr 12 in the past 3 years at a Redlands school  

Complete an EOI https://forms.office.com/r/nFdzQeH190

Free Driving Lesson Contact Person:

Gemma Nevin - Link and Launch Coordinator 

Cleveland District State High School

Department of Education

PO Box 808 | Russell Street | Cleveland Qld 4163 
T 3824 9222 | M 0455 559 897| gnevi17@eq.edu.au |www.qld.gov.au/linkandlaunch

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